bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Burial rates and stoichiometry of sedimentary carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus in Midwestern US reservoirs
Authors: Knoll Lesley B. , Vanni Michael J. , Renwick William H. , Kollie Sonii 
Published: August 2014

Summary

Lakes and reservoirs bury large quantities of organic carbon (C) and nutrients (nitrogen, N; phosphorus, P) in their sediments, especially when expressed relative to the small area they occupy. Global estimates of C and nutrient burial rates in reservoirs require a quantitative understanding of the wide variation in the rates and ratios at which C, N and P are sequestered in sediments.

We examined how catchment and reservoir characteristics relate to sediment organic C, N and P concentrations, stoichiometric burial ratios (C : P, C : N, N : P) and burial rates in 13 small reservoirs across a catchment land use gradient in the Midwestern United States.

Sediment P concentrations were positively correlated with urban catchment land use and negatively correlated with agricultural catchment land use. Stoichiometric burial ratios varied with catchment land use. Both N : P and C : P were positively correlated with agricultural land use, while these ratios were negatively correlated with urban land use and forested land use.

In general, rates of C, N and P burial per unit lake area were not related to land use in the catchment, but were all positively correlated with catchment area to lake area ratios. Results from our study reservoirs suggest that reservoir burial rates are more tightly coupled with morphometric catchment characteristics than with land use.

Our results suggest that small reservoirs are regionally and globally significant for biogeochemical processing. However, regional variation requires that much more comprehensive sampling is needed for accurate estimates of global element burial rates.
Assessing biodiversity loss due to land use with Life Cycle Assessment: are we there yet?
Authors: Souza Danielle M. , Teixeira Ricardo F.M. , Ostermann Ole P. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractEcosystems are under increasing pressure from human activities, with land use and land‐use change at the forefront of the drivers that provoke global and regional biodiversity loss. The first step in addressing the challenge of how to reverse the negative outlook for the coming years starts with measuring environmental loss rates and assigning responsibilities. Pinpointing the global pressures on biodiversity is a task best addressed using holistic models such as Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). LCA is the leading method for calculating cradle‐to‐grave environmental impacts of products and services; it is actively promoted by many public policies, and integrated as part of environmental information systems within private companies. LCA already deals with the potential biodiversity impacts of land use, but there are significant obstacles to overcome before its models grasp the full reach of the phenomena involved. In this review, we discuss some pressing issues that need to be addressed. LCA mainly introduces biodiversity as an endpoint category modeled as a loss in species richness due to the conversion and use of land over time and space. The functional and population effects on biodiversity are mostly absent due to the emphasis on species accumulation with limited geographic and taxonomical reach. Current land‐use modeling activities that use biodiversity indicators tend to oversimplify the real dynamics and complexity of the interactions of species among each other and with their habitats. To identify the main areas for improvement, we systematically reviewed LCA studies on land use that had findings related to global change and conservation ecology. We provide suggestion as to how to address some of the issues raised. Our overall objective was to encourage companies to monitor and take concrete steps to address the impacts of land use on biodiversity on a broader geographical scale and along increasingly globalized supply chains.
Prolonged and flexible primary moult overlaps extensively with breeding in beach‐nesting Hooded Plovers Thinornis rubricollis
Authors: Rogers Ken G. , Rogers Danny I. , Weston Michael A. 
Published: August 2014

We present the first report of complete overlap of breeding and moult in a shorebird. In southeastern Australia, Hooded Plovers Thinornis rubricollis spend their entire lives on oceanic beaches, where they exhibit biparental care. Population moult encompassed the 6‐month breeding season. Moult timing was estimated using the Underhill–Zucchini method for Type 2 data with a power transformation to accommodate sexual differences in rates of moult progression in the early and late stages of moult. Average moult durations were long in females (170.3 ± 14.2 days), and even longer in males (210.3 ± 13.5 days). Breeding status was known for most birds in our samples, and many active breeders (especially males) were also growing primaries. Females delayed the onset of primary moult but were able to increase the speed of moult and continue breeding, completing moult at about the same time as males. The mechanism by which this was achieved appeared to be flexibility in moult sequence. All moult formulae fell on one of two linked moult sequences, one faster than the other. The slower sequence had fewer feathers growing concurrently and also had formulae indicating suspended moults. Switching between sequences via common formulae is possible at many points during the moult cycle, and three of 12 recaptures were confirmed to have switched sequences in the same moult season. Hooded Plovers thus have a prolonged primary moult with the flexibility to change their rate of moult; this may facilitate high levels of replacement clutches that are associated with passive nest defence and low reproductive success.
Peripheral neuropathy in Parkinson disease: An in vivo confocal microscopy study
Authors: ANJOS R , VIEIRA L , SOUSA A , MADURO V , ALVES N , CANDELARIA P 
Published: August 2014

AbstractPurpose To assess whether corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) can detect alterations in corneal nerve morphology in patients with Parkinson disease.Methods Twenty‐five patients with Parkinson disease and 25 control subjects were examined. Patients underwent neurological and complete ophthalmological evaluation. Corneal sensitivity testing was performed with a Cochet‐Bonnet esthesiometer and corneal sub‐basal nerve morphology assessment with confocal microscopy (Heidelberg Retina Tomograph II/Rostock Cornea Module). CCM was used to quantify corneal nerve fibre density, tortuosity, length and branch density.Results Patients with Parkinson disease had decreased corneal sensation in comparison with controls. Corneal nerve fiber morphology differed in both groups, with a lower global fiber density, branch density and higher tortuosity in Parksinson patients (p<0,05). These parameters were found to be related to dopaminergic medication exposure.Conclusion We found a decreased corneal sensation and corneal nerve fiber changes in patients with Parkinson disease. CCM may be used to detect signs of peripheral neuropathy and follow patients in dopaminergic therapy.
Visual Search Test (VST) ‐ reaction time perimetry with fixation objects detectable only by foveal vision
Authors: LEINONEN M , KNAAPI L 
Published: August 2014

AbstractPurpose To validate a novel perimetry method (Visual Search Test, VST) which is based on reaction times in visual decision‐making task, where the subject is allowed to move eyes and where the fixation is verified by the subject himself in contrast to standard automatic perimetry (SAP) where prolonged stationary fixation and external fixation monitoring apparatus is required.Methods Device (Ocusweep prototype, Ocuspecto Ltd, Turku, Finland) consisting of 35° arc (radius 54 cm) was constructed with six 3x5 LED arrays displaying 0.4°, 100 ms suprathreshold stimulus (Saccade Triggering Stimulus, STS) followed by an arrow (< or >) as a fixation object (FO) the recognition of which was reported by pressing a correct button. The intensity of FO was 3‐5 dB above the foveal threshold. With a correct button press a new peripheral STS & FO stimulus sequence was displayed in order to initiate a reflex saccade towards the STS. The time periods between button presses were recorded. 18 locations (up to 28° temporal, 20° nasal) along the meridians 0° and 8° of the visual field of left eye were tested. The center of the physiological blind spot of 11 healthy volunteers was measured with Octopus perimeter by custom program (1° oval grid of 139 test points). Reaction times within the blind spot area were compared to other locations.Results Reaction times within the blind spot area were slower compared to other locations in 10 of 11 subjects (AOV, p < 0.001 in 9 subjects, p < 0.006 in one subject).Conclusion Visual Search Test (VST) can be used to detect visual field defects.
Commercial interest
Severe retinal degeneration in females with c.2543del mutation in the RPGR gene
Authors: KOUSAL B , SKALICKA P , VALESOVA L , COLCLOUGH T , HART‐HOLDEN N , O'GRADY A , HARDCASTLE AJ , LISKOVA P 
Published: August 2014

AbstractPurpose To describe the genotype‐phenotype correlation and serial observations in a five‐generation Czech family with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) associated with total blindness in females.Methods Comprehensive ophthalmological examination was performed in sixteen family members (nine females and seven males). Autosomal dominant inheritance was suspected and screening for known mutations by genotyping microarray was performed. Next, direct sequencing of ORF15 RPGR exon was undertaken.Results The c.2543delA, in ORF15 of the RPGR gene was detected. Three females became bilaterally totally blind in the sixth decade. Four examined females and five males showed pigmentary deposits, progressive visual field constriction, moderate to high myopia and myopic astigmatism. Three other females had moderate to high myopia and myopic astigmatism but without the presence of bone spicule formation. Only one 34 year old female carrier had clinically normal fundus findings.Conclusion The c.2543delA in RPGR is associated with severe phenotype in females in the studied family. The presence of refractive errors, especially high myopia and astigmatism in the absence of male to male transmission may be indicative of an X‐linked inheritance.
Lack of effect of the glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist liraglutide on psoriasis in glucose‐tolerant patients – a randomized placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Faurschou A. , Gyldenløve M. , Rohde U. , Thyssen J.P. , Zachariae C. , Skov L. , Knop F.K. , Vilsbøll T. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractBackgroundIt has been proposed that glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor (GLP‐1R) agonists used for the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes might also improve their psoriasis.ObjectiveTo assess the efficacy and safety of the GLP‐1R agonist liraglutide in glucose‐tolerant patients with plaque psoriasis.MethodsA total of 20 obese (body mass index > 25 kg/m2), glucose‐tolerant patients with plaque psoriasis (psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) of at least 8) were randomized 1 : 1 to once‐daily subcutaneous injections with liraglutide or placebo for an 8‐week period. The primary end points were improvement in PASI and dermatology life quality index (DLQI). Secondary end points included changes in weight and high sensitive C‐reactive protein (hsCRP) levels, as well as adverse events.ResultsAfter 8 weeks of treatment, no significant change in PASI was found in the liraglutide group (mean±standard deviation: −2.6 ± 2.1) compared with the placebo group (−1.3 ± 2.4) (P = 0.228). No difference in DLQI was observed between the groups [−2.5 ± 4.4 (liraglutide) vs. −3.7 ± 4.8 (placebo); P = 0.564]. HsCRP did not change in any of the groups (0.26 ± 1 (placebo) vs. 0.25 ± 2.2 (liraglutide); P = 0.992). Liraglutide treatment resulted in a bodyweight loss of 4.7 ± 2.5 kg compared with 1.6 ± 2.7 kg in the placebo group (P = 0.014) accompanied by decreased cholesterol levels. No serious adverse events occurred during the 8‐week observation period. The most common complaint was transient nausea, which occurred in 45% of the liraglutide‐treated patients but in none from the placebo group.ConclusionLiraglutide treatment for 8 weeks did not significantly change PASI, DLQI, or hsCRP in a small group of glucose‐tolerant obese patients with plaque psoriasis compared with placebo. A significant weight loss and decrease in cholesterol levels was observed in liraglutide‐treated patients.
Preference of the vector thrips Frankliniella occidentalis for plants infected with thrips‐non‐transmissible Tomato spotted wilt virus
Authors: Tomitaka Y. , Abe H. , Sakurai T. , Tsuda S. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractThe effect of a thrips‐non‐transmissible Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) on insect–host interactions between thrips and Arabidopsis thaliana was analysed. A wild‐type TSWV virulent isolate and a TSWV isolate that induces mild symptoms on inoculated plants (TSWV‐Mo) were used in this study, and TSWV‐Mo isolate was obtained by single local lesion isolation using Petunia x hybrid after several passages on Nicotiana rustica plants. In transmission test, although wild‐type TSWV (TSWV‐wt) was transmitted by two thrips species (transmission ratio; Frankliniella occidentalis, 25%; Thrips tabaci, 10%; and T. palmi, 0%), none of the thrips transmitted TSWV‐Mo. Feeding damage by F. occidentalis in A. thaliana plants was more extensive on TSWV‐wt‐infected plants than on TSWV‐Mo‐infected plants, despite comparable preference. Among the markers of plant defences, salicylic acid‐regulated genes were upregulated threefold to sixfold by TSWV‐wt or TSWV‐Mo infection. In contrast, jasmonate‐regulated genes and jasmonate/ethylene‐regulated genes were not affected by the infections. Pull assays showed that adjacent TSWV‐Mo‐infected plants were preferred over uninfected plants. In conclusion, our results showed that the transmissibility by thrips of TSWV is not related to preference of vector thrips and suggested that TSWV‐Mo‐infected plants may be used as attractants for behaviour control of thrips.
Contribution of Generative Leisure Activities to Cognitive Function in Elderly Sri Lankan Adults
Authors: Maselko Joanna , Sebranek Matthew , Mun Mirna H. , Perera Bilesha , Ahs Jill , Østbye Truls 
Published: August 2014

ObjectivesTo examine the unique contribution of generative leisure activities, defined as activities motivated by a concern for others and a need to contribute something to the next generation.DesignCross‐sectional survey.SettingPeri‐urban and rural area in southern Sri Lanka.ParticipantsCommunity‐dwelling adults aged 60 and older (N = 252).MeasurementsThe main predictors were leisure activities, grouped into generative, social, or solitary. The main outcome was cognitive function, assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and the Informant Questionnaire on Cognitive Decline in the Elderly (IQCODE).ResultsMore‐frequent engagement in generative leisure activities was associated with higher levels of cognitive function, independent of the effect of other social and solitary leisure activities. In a fully adjusted model combining all three leisure activities, generative activities independently predicted cognitive function as measured using the MoCA (β = 0.47, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.11–0.83) and the IQCODE (β = −0.81, 95% CI = −1.54 to −0.09). In this combined model, solitary activities were also independently associated with slower cognitive decline using the MoCA (β = 0.40, 95% CI = 0.16–0.64) but not the IQCODE (β = −0.38, 95% CI = −0.88–0.12); the association with social activities did not reach statistical significance with either measure. These associations did not differ meaningfully according to sex.ConclusionGenerative leisure activities are a promising area for the development of interventions aimed at reducing cognitive decline in elderly adults.
Candida albicans Adherence to Denture Base Material: Chemical Disinfection and the Effect of Acquired Salivary Pellicle Formation
Authors: Rodríguez Acosta Emilio José T. , da Silva Paulo Mauricio Batista , Jacobina Matheus , Lara Vanessa Soares , Neppelenbroek Karin Hermana , Porto Vinicius Carvalho 
Published: August 2014

AbstractPurposeThe aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of 1% sodium hypochlorite (H1%) and 4% chlorhexidine gluconate (CG4%) on the adhesion of Candida albicans to denture base acrylic resins, as well as to verify the effect of the acquired salivary pellicle (ASP) formation on this process.Materials and MethodsA total of 300 acrylic specimens were immersed in distilled water (control) (n = 100), H1% (n = 100), or CG4% (n = 100) for 30 days. Twenty specimens were used in each experimental period (0, 1, 7, 15, 30 days). At the end of disinfection testing periods, 10 specimens of each group were exposed to human whole saliva to simulate ASP formation, and then all specimens were incubated with C. albicans ATTC 90028. Microorganism adhesion was analyzed by fluorescence microscopy, after staining with Acridine orange.ResultsIn the 30th disinfection cycle in relation to baseline, the H1% or CG4%, without ASP formation, reduced the C. albicans adhesion by approximately 80%; however, with ASP, this reduction after disinfection with H1% was higher (88%). The presence of ASP resulted in higher reduction of adhered fungal cells in comparison to resin without ASP, at the 1st H1% or CG4% disinfection cycle, as well as at 30th H1% disinfection cycles.ConclusionsOur results suggest that the presence of saliva might influence the adhesion of C. albicans and improve the effectiveness of methods to reduce fungal adhesion.
A Multispecies Probiotic Reduces Oral Candida Colonization in Denture Wearers
Authors: Ishikawa Karin H. , Mayer Marcia P. A. , Miyazima Tatiana Y. , Matsubara Victor H. , Silva Eriques G. , Paula Claudete R. , Campos Tomie T. , Nakamae Atlas E. M. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractPurposeThe prevalence of Candida infections has been rising with an increasingly aging population and a larger population of immunocompromised individuals. The use of probiotics may be an alternative approach to antifungal agents in the prevention and treatment of oral candidiasis. This study aimed to evaluate the short‐term effect of probiotics in reducing the infection level of oral Candida in candidiasis‐asymptomatic elderly denture wearers.Materials and MethodsIn a double‐blind randomized study, 59 denture wearers harboring Candida spp. in the oral cavity with no clinical symptoms were allocated into two groups: probiotic and placebo. All patients were instructed to clean the denture daily. The probiotic group poured a capsule containing lyophilized Lactobacillus rhamnosus HS111, Lactobacillus acidophillus HS101, and Bifidobacterium bifidum daily on the palatal surface of the maxillary denture, whereas the placebo group was submitted to the same regimen using placebo capsules. Candida spp. infection levels were evaluated in palate mucosa samples obtained before and after a 5‐week experimental period.ResultsAll patients harbored Candida in the palate mucosa at baseline. Fifty‐five individuals completed the experimental period. The detection rate of Candida spp. was 92.0% in the placebo group after the experimental period, whereas it was reduced to 16.7% in the probiotic group. The reduction promoted by the probiotic regimen was independent of baseline characteristics such as Candida infection level and colonizing species, age of denture, and other variables.ConclusionThe probiotic product was effective in reducing the colonization of the oral cavity with Candida in candidiasis‐asymptomatic elderly denture wearers, suggesting that this multispecies probiotic could be used to prevent oral candidiasis. Clinical implications: Colonization of oral surfaces by Candida is considered a risk factor for invasive fungal infections. The use of a product with L. rhamnosus, L. acidophilus, and B. bifidum may represent an alternative treatment for reduction of Candida infections in elderly denture wearers.
Early Adolescent Peer Foundations of Late Adolescent and Young Adult Psychological Adjustment
Authors: Chango Joanna M. , Allen Joseph P. , Szwedo David , Schad Megan M. 
Published: August 2014

The long‐term impacts of failing to establish autonomy and relatedness within close friendships are poorly understood. Adolescent behaviors undermining autonomy and relatedness in friendships at 13 were examined as predictors of friendship competence at 18 and depressive symptoms and social withdrawal at 21. A diverse community sample of 184 adolescents participated in self‐, peer, and observational assessments. Teens' inability to establish autonomy and connection with friends at 13 predicted decreases in friendship competence at 18 (β = −.20, p = .02). Direct links to increase in depressive symptoms (β = .34, p < .001) and social withdrawal (β = .18, p = .03) were observed, with friendship competence partially mediating these relations. Results highlight the importance of problematic adolescent peer relationships as risk factors for the development of young adult internalizing symptoms.
MicroRNA‐155 attenuates activation of hepatic stellate cell by simultaneously preventing EMT process and ERK1 signalling pathway
Authors: Dai Weiping , Zhao Juan , Tang Nan , Zeng Xin , Wu Kaiming , Ye Changhong , Shi Jian , Lu Cuihua , Ning Beifang , Zhang Junping , Lin Yong 
Published: August 2014

AbstractBackground & AimsEpithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) process and extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1 (ERK1) signalling pathway play pivotal roles in hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation, which is associated with the altered expression patterns of microRNAs (miRNAs). miR‐155 is considered a typical multifunctional miRNA to regulate many biological processes. However, little attention has been given to the contributions of miR‐155 to simultaneous regulation of EMT process and ERK1 pathway during HSC activation.MethodsDifferential expression of miR‐155 was assessed in activated HSC, sera and liver tissues from cirrhotic patients. Whether miR‐155 could directly interact with 3′‐untranslated region (3′‐UTR) of T cell factor 4 (TCF4) and angiotensin II receptor type 1 (AGTR1) respectively was detected by luciferase reporter assay. The effects of enhanced miR‐155 on EMT process and ERK1 pathway, cell apoptosis in HSC activation were also evaluated.ResultsA significant decrease in miR‐155 expression was observed in activated HSC, sera or liver tissues of cirrhotic patients. MiR‐155 was found to simultaneously interact with 3′‐UTR of TCF4 and AGTR1 mRNAs, which are known as important regulators associated with EMT and ERK1 pathway repectively. Inhibiting miR‐155 expression could stimulate the EMT state and ERK1 pathway activity, thus contributing to HSC activation. Forced miR‐155 expression markedly decreased the mesenchymal markers and phosphorylated ERK1 level, and enhanced E‐cadherin expression, leading to the synchronous inhibitory effect on EMT and ERK1 pathway and inducing HSC apoptosis.ConclusionsOur results implicate that miR‐155 plays an important role in regulating the pathological network involving EMT process and ERK1 pathway during HSC activation.