bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Relationship between species diversity, biomass and light transmittance in temperate semi‐natural grasslands: is productivity enhanced by complementary light capture?
Authors: Feßel Carola , Meier Ina C. , Leuschner Christoph 
Published: July 2015

AbstractQuestionA positive plant diversity–above‐ground productivity relationship is often demonstrated in synthetic grassland stands established for functional biodiversity research, but this relationship is rarely found along diversity gradients in natural and semi‐natural grasslands. One of the key mechanisms proposed to cause a positive species diversity–above‐ground productivity relationship is increased complementarity in resource use. Using light transmittance to the ground as a measure of resource use intensity in semi‐natural grasslands, we tested the hypothesis that peak above‐ground biomass (as a proxy for productivity) increases and light transmittance decreases with increasing species richness, which would reflect higher complementarity in light capture.LocationSemi‐natural temperate grasslands in Lower Saxony, Germany.MethodsWe investigated 31 grasslands with variable species richness on three different geological substrates (greywacke, limestone and sandstone) at two spatial scales (sub‐regional and regional).ResultsStructural equation modelling (SEM) and generalized linear models (GLM) revealed that species richness (5–22 species · 0.09 m−2) was negatively related to above‐ground biomass (AGB; 200–1350 g·m−2) and sward cover. The most influential determinant of AGB at the regional scale was temperature. Light transmittance was determined by sward cover, the cover of competitive species and AGB at the regional, and in part also at the sub‐regional level. We found no evidence for increased light capture complementarity with higher species richness.ConclusionThis suggests that competitive exclusion, but not complementarity in above‐ground resource use, mediates above‐ground productivity in species‐rich plant assemblages.
Evaluation of Heterotrophic Algae Meal as a Diet Ingredient for Channel Catfish, Ictalurus punctatus
Authors: Kupchinsky Zachary A. , Coyle Shawn D. , Bright Leigh A. , Tidwell James H. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractMost microalgae evaluated in aquaculture diets have been produced autotrophically. In order to produce a cost‐efficient biomass at greater magnitudes for biofuel feedstock, heterotrophic production may be warranted. However, the chemical/nutritional attributes of these microalgae could differ from those grown autotrophically. An 8‐wk feeding trial was conducted to evaluate Chlorella spp. algae meal (AM) that had been cultured heterotrophically. The oil (lipid) was extracted to simulate biofuel production. Juvenile channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus (5.7 ± 1.4 g; 8.9 ± 0.8 cm), were stocked at 10 fish/tank into fifteen 37.7‐L aquaria in a closed recirculating system and fed one of the five experimental diets to apparent satiation twice daily. Diets contained either 0 (control, CTL), 10, 20, or 40% AM and an additional diet containing 40% AM was supplemented with 2% lysine (40% AM+LYS). After 8 wk, there were no statistically significant differences in terms of survival, dressout percentages, whole‐body proximate composition, or fatty acid composition of the fillets among fish fed the diets containing varying levels of AM without added lysine. Feed consumption and weight gain for fish fed the 10, 40, and 40% AM+LYS diets were significantly greater than those fed the CTL diet. Feed conversion ratio was significantly lower for fish fed the 40% AM+LYS diet compared to those fed all other diets, which did not differ significantly from each other. These data indicate that channel catfish readily accept and can efficiently utilize heterotrophically produced AM at levels up to at least 40% of the total diet and that AM may enhance diet palatability.
An evaluation of active acoustic methods for detection of marine mammals in the Canadian Beaufort Sea
Authors: Pyć Cynthia D. , Geoffroy Maxime , Knudsen Frank Reier 
Published: July 2015

AbstractA commercially available fisheries sonar was mounted on an icebreaker and evaluated during an environmental baseline study in the Canadian Beaufort Sea, to determine the applicability of active acoustic monitoring (AAM) for marine mammal detection by comparing marine mammal observer (MMO) visual sightings and active acoustic detections. During 170 h of simultaneous MMO and AAM, 115 bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus) and four beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas) were visually sighted by MMOs, while 59 sonar detections of bowhead whales occurred using AAM. The fisheries sonar detected 92% of the cetaceans observed within 2,000 m. Additional observations of ringed seals (Pusa hispida) and bearded seals (Erignathus barbatus) were recorded both by MMOs and AAM. Comparative results indicate that a commercially available active acoustic system can consistently detect marine mammals within varying ranges dictated by water column properties. Shallow environments and strong pycnoclines currently present challenges to AAM.
A phage display‐selected peptide inhibitor of Agrobacterium vitis polygalacturonase
Authors: Warren Jeremy G. , Kasun George W. , Leonard Takara , Kirkpatrick Bruce C. 
Published: July 2015

SummaryAgrobacterium vitis, the causal agent of crown gall of grapevine, is a threat to viticulture worldwide. A major virulence factor of this pathogen is polygalacturonase, an enzyme that degrades pectin components of the xylem cell wall. A single gene encodes for the polygalacturonase gene. Disruption of the polygalacturonase gene results in a mutant that is less pathogenic and produces significantly fewer root lesions on grapevines. Thus, the identification of peptides or proteins that could inhibit the activity of polygalacturonase could be part of a strategy for the protection of plants against this pathogen. A phage‐displayed combinatorial peptide library was used to isolate peptides with a high binding affinity to A. vitis polygalacturonase. These peptides showed sequence similarity to regions of Oryza sativa (EMS66324, Japonica) and Triticum urartu (NP_001054402, wild wheat) polygalacturonase‐inhibiting proteins (PGIPs). Furthermore, these panning experiments identified a peptide, SVTIHHLGGGS, which was able to reduce A. vitis polygalacturonase activity by 35% in vitro. Truncation studies showed that the IHHL motif alone is sufficient to inhibit A. vitis polygalacturonase activity.
Plant phenolic acids affect the virulence of Pectobacterium aroidearum and P. carotovorum ssp. brasiliense via quorum sensing regulation
Authors: Joshi Janak Raj , Burdman Saul , Lipsky Alexander , Yariv Shaked , Yedidia Iris 
Published: July 2015

SummarySeveral studies have reported effects of the plant phenolic acids cinnamic acid (CA) and salicylic acid (SA) on the virulence of soft rot enterobacteria. However, the mechanisms involved in these processes are not yet fully understood. Here, we investigated whether CA and SA interfere with the quorum sensing (QS) system of two Pectobacterium species, P. aroidearum and P. carotovorum ssp. brasiliense, which are known to produce N‐acyl‐homoserine lactone (AHL) QS signals. Our results clearly indicate that both phenolic compounds affect the QS machinery of the two species, consequently altering the expression of bacterial virulence factors. Although, in control treatments, the expression of QS‐related genes increased over time, the exposure of bacteria to non‐lethal concentrations of CA or SA inhibited the expression of QS genes, including expI, expR, PC1_1442 (luxR transcriptional regulator) and luxS (a component of the AI‐2 system). Other virulence genes known to be regulated by the QS system, such as pecS, pel, peh and yheO, were also down‐regulated relative to the control. In agreement with the low levels of expression of expI and expR, CA and SA also reduced the level of the AHL signal. The effects of CA and SA on AHL signalling were confirmed in compensation assays, in which exogenous application of N‐(β‐ketocaproyl)‐l‐homoserine lactone (eAHL) led to the recovery of the reduction in virulence caused by the two phenolic acids. Collectively, the results of gene expression studies, bioluminescence assays, virulence assays and compensation assays with eAHL clearly support a mechanism by which CA and SA interfere with Pectobacterium virulence via the QS machinery.
Unilateral hypoglossal nerve palsy with asymmetric facial and limb paresis in axonal Guillain–Barré syndrome
Authors: Yamagami Mari , Sakurai Yasuhisa , Hamada Kensuke , Sugimoto Izumi , Hatanaka Yuki , Uchibori Ayumi , Chiba Atsuro 
Published: July 2015

AbstractWe report a 45‐year‐old man with motor axonal Guillain–Barré syndrome who developed left facial nerve palsy, right hypoglossal nerve palsy, and predominantly left‐sided upper limb paresis and left lower limb paresis. Blood examination identified immunoglobulin G antibodies against gangliosides GD1a, GD1b and GQ1b, and GD1b/GD1a and GD1b/GT1b complexes. He was treated with intravenous immunoglobulin (400 mg/kg/day for 5 days) twice, and tongue deviation and facial palsy resolved in 3 months. Unilateral or asymmetric involvement of the cranial and limb nerves represent a variant form of axonal Guillain–Barré syndrome.
Genetic variants of IL‐11 associated with risk of Hirschsprung disease
Authors: Kim L. H. , Cheong H. S. , Shin J.‐G. , Seo J.‐M. , Kim D.‐Y. , Oh J.‐T. , Kim H.‐Y. , Jung K. , Koh I. , Kim J.‐H. , Shin H. D. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractBackgroundHirschsprung disease (HSCR) is a congenital and heterogeneous disorder characterized by the absence of enteric ganglia during enteric nervous system (ENS) development. Our recent genome‐wide association study has identified a variant (rs6509940) of interleukin‐11 (IL‐11) as a potential susceptible locus for HSCR. As interleukins play important roles in the ENS, we further studied associations with HSCR of nine common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on IL‐11.MethodsBiopsy specimens or surgical materials from all patients that were tested for histological examination based on the absence of the enteric ganglia were collected. A total of nine SNPs on IL‐11 were genotyped in 187 HSCR patients and 283 unaffected controls using TaqMan genotyping assay.Key ResultsCombined analysis revealed that several SNPs (minimum p = 1.57 × 10−7) showed statistically significant associations with HSCR, even after Bonferroni correction (pcorr = 1.73 × 10−6 for the SNP). Moreover, the most common haplotype was strongly associated with HSCR (pcorr = 2.20 × 10−6). In further analysis among three HSCR subtypes (short segment, S‐HSCR; long segment, L‐HSCR; total colonic aganglionosis, TCA) based on the extent of aganglionic segment, the result showed a different association pattern depending on the subtypes (minimum pcorr = 6.12 × 10−5 for rs6509940 in S‐HSCR; but no significant SNP in L‐HSCR and TCA).Conclusions & InferencesAlthough further replication in a larger cohort and functional evaluations are needed, our findings suggest that genetic variations of IL‐11 may be associated with the risk of HSCR and/or the mechanisms related to ENS development.
Opt Out or Top Up? Voluntary Health Care Insurance and the Public vs. Private Substitution
Authors: Fabbri Daniele , Monfardini Chiara 
Published: July 2015

AbstractWe investigate whether in a mixed insurance system, people enrolled into voluntary health care insurance (VHI) substitute public consumption with private (opt out) or just enlarge their private consumption without reducing reliance upon public provisions (top up). We specify a joint model for public and private specialist visits counts, allowing for different degrees of endogenous supplementary insurance coverage. We find evidence of opting out: richer and wealthier individuals consume more private services and concomitantly reduce those services publicly provided through selection into for‐profit VHI. Accounting for VHI endogeneity in the joint model of the two counts is crucial to this conclusion.
Molecular characterization of oral squamous cell carcinoma using targeted next‐generation sequencing
Authors: Er Tze‐Kiong , Wang Yen‐Yun , Chen Chih‐Chieh , Herreros‐Villanueva Marta , Liu Ta‐Chih , Yuan Shyng‐Shiou F. 
Published: July 2015

ObjectivesMany genetic factors play an important role in the development of oral squamous cell carcinoma. The aim of this study was to assess the mutational profile in oral squamous cell carcinoma using formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded tumors from a Taiwanese population by performing targeted sequencing of 26 cancer‐associated genes that are frequently mutated in solid tumors.MethodsNext‐generation sequencing was performed in 50 formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded tumor specimens obtained from patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma. Genetic alterations in the 26 cancer‐associated genes were detected using a deep sequencing (>1000X) approach.ResultsTP53, PIK3CA, MET, APC, CDH1, and FBXW7 were most frequently mutated genes. Most remarkably, TP53 mutations and PIK3CA mutations, which accounted for 68% and 18% of tumors, respectively, were more prevalent in a Taiwanese population. Other genes including MET (4%), APC (4%), CDH1 (2%), and FBXW7 (2%) were identified in our population.ConclusionsIn summary, our study shows the feasibility of performing targeted sequencing using formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded samples. Additionally, this study also reports the mutational landscape of oral squamous cell carcinoma in the Taiwanese population. We believe that this study will shed new light on fundamental aspects in understanding the molecular pathogenesis of oral squamous cell carcinoma and may aid in the development of new targeted therapies.
A Preliminary Study of the Aqueduct of Reccopolis
Authors: Martínez Jiménez Javier 
Published: July 2015

SummaryReccopolis was a new urban foundation of the late sixth century AD, built by King Liuvigild during the period of the Visigothic state formation. The city was equipped, alongside other facilities, with an aqueduct built ex novo in the Roman technique. This has only recently been studied. The construction of a new city and a new aqueduct indicates a great economic effort by the Visigothic ruler: the event was in itself also a grand act of propaganda in addition to its obvious functional purpose. The aqueduct is itself unmatched in public constructions of this period.
Perceptions of exercise for older people living with dementia in Bangkok, Thailand: an exploratory qualitative study
Authors: Karuncharernpanit Sirikul , Hendricks Joyce , Toye Christine 
Published: July 2015

BackgroundDementia is a significant issue globally, including in Thailand, and exercise is known to have health benefits for people living with dementia. However, little is known about exercise acceptable to, and feasible for, this population group in low‐to‐middle income countries although, more broadly, it is recognised that health‐related behaviours are influenced by the perceptions of the individual, which exist within a cultural context.ObjectivesTo explore and describe perceptions of appropriate exercise for people living with dementia in Bangkok, Thailand.DesignQualitative exploratory descriptive.SettingBangkok, Thailand.ParticipantsNine professionals – experts in exercise, dementia care and relevant policy development – and nine dyads of people with dementia and their family caregivers all recruited using purposive sampling.MethodsSemi‐structured interviews subjected to thematic analysis.ResultsThree themes emerged: how exercise was defined, perceived benefits of exercise and how exercise should be implemented. Professionals recognised three exercise elements: aerobic exercise plus balance and strength training. Dyads recognised home‐based activities (e.g., housework) and walking. Both groups recognised benefits of exercise in maintaining health and function and improving mood and sleep. Only health professionals identified falls risk reduction. There was limited appreciation of benefits for caregivers by maintaining function in care recipients. Professionals deemed that exercise should address all three elements, using easily accessible low‐cost resources. The need for safety was emphasised, and there was agreement that in‐home exercise was appropriate. Family/cultural values were evident that could present barriers to exercise implementation.ConclusionChanging health‐related behaviours requires an understanding of individual perspectives, which exist within a cultural context. This study has illuminated the Thai context and has implications beyond this. Findings emphasise a need for potential benefits to be sufficiently understood by family caregivers to overcome any culturally based reluctance to promote exercise in older people.Implications for practiceNurses have a key role in supporting care givers of older persons with dementia supervise home based exercise. Nurses need to develop knowledge of aerobic exercise to teach caregivers and the older person with dementia. Muscle strength and aerobic exercise assists in the older person's ability to undertake ADL.
Renal Response in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease Predicts Outcome Following Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy
Authors: SINGAL GAURAV , UPADHYAY GAURAV A. , BORGQUIST RASMUS , FRIEDMAN DANIEL J. , CHATTERJEE NEAL A. , KANDALA JAGDESH , PARK MI YOUNG , ORENCOLE MARY , DEC GEORGE W. , PICARD MICHAEL H. , SINGH JAGMEET P. , MELA THEOFANIE 
Published: July 2015

BackgroundChronic kidney disease (CKD) severity is associated with increased morbidity and mortality in congestive heart failure. There is a paucity of data regarding renal improvement after cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) and its potential impact on clinical outcomes, especially in patients with severe CKD.MethodThis was a retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected cohort of 260 patients with CKD undergoing CRT at a single center. Renal function was compared before and after CRT. The primary end point was a composite of death, heart transplant, and left ventricular assist device (LVAD), assessed at 5 years.ResultsPatients with more severe CKD demonstrated increased risk of death, transplant, or LVAD following CRT (P = 0.015). Renal response (estimated glomerular filtration rate improvement ≥10 mL/min/1.73 m2) was observed in 14% of all patients and 28% of patients with stage IV CKD. Independent predictors of renal response included left ventricular ejection fraction improvement (odds ratio [OR] 1.06, confidence interval [CI] 1.01–1.10), angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin receptor blocker use (OR 4.31, CI 1.08–17.23), and advanced CKD stage (OR 2.19, CI 1.14–4.23). Renal response independently decreased hazard of the primary outcome (HR 0.24, CI 0.08–0.73, P = 0.01). Renal responders with stage IV CKD had 80% 5‐year event‐free survival, compared to 0% for nonrenal responders in stage IV (P = 0.03).ConclusionAlthough severity of CKD is associated with poorer outcome after CRT, improvement in renal function can occur in patients across all CKD stages. Renal responders, including those with stage IV CKD, demonstrate favorable 5‐year outcomes. Assessment of renal response may help better prognostic outcomes following CRT.
Role of Outpatient Cardiac Rhythm Monitoring in Cryptogenic Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: AFZAL MUHAMMAD R. , GUNDA SAMPATH , WAHEED SALMAN , SEHAR NANDHINI , MAYBROOK RYAN J. , DAWN BUDDHADEB , LAKKIREDDY DHANUNJAYA 
Published: July 2015

BackgroundRecent studies have suggested that prolonged outpatient rhythm monitoring results in increased detection of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with cryptogenic stroke (CS). However, the best monitoring strategy and its clinical utility is debatable.ObjectiveTo compare the effectiveness of implantable loop recorder (ILR) versus wearable devices in identifying AF in patients with CS.Methods and ResultsThree randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 13 observational studies were identified by database searches. Seven studies (enrolling 774 patients) employed ILR for AF detection for a median duration of 365 days (range 50–569 days). Ten studies (enrolling 996 patients) employed continuous monitoring with wearable devices for a median duration of 21 days (range 4–30 days). One study performed 7 days of monitoring with wearable device followed by implantation of ILR, thus included in both groups. Pooled odds ratio (OR) of identifying AF in RCTs showed increased detection of AF with prolonged monitoring (OR 4.54, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.92, 7.06; P < 0.00001) compared to routine outpatient follow‐up. Overall detection of AF with outpatient monitoring was 17.6% (CI: 12.5–22.7). There was significantly higher AF detection with ILR (23.3%; CI: 13.83–32.29) compared to wearable devices (13.6%; CI: 7.91–19.32; P < 0.05). Patients with AF were older in age compared to patients without AF.ConclusionAF detection in patients with CS is improved with prolonged rhythm monitoring and is better with ILR compared to wearable devices. AF was more common in older patients. The clinical significance of these findings is unknown at this point.
Safety and efficacy of C1 esterase inhibitor for acute attacks in children with hereditary angioedema
Authors: Lumry William , Soteres Daniel , Gower Richard , Jacobson Kraig W. , Li H. Henry , Chen Hongzi , Schranz Jennifer 
Published: July 2015

AbstractBackgroundHuman plasma‐derived nanofiltered C1 esterase inhibitor (C1 INH‐nf) is used to treat acute angioedema attacks in patients with hereditary angioedema (HAE), but data regarding use in children are sparse.MethodsPatients 2 to <12 years of age, body weight ≥10 kg, with a diagnosis of HAE type I or II, were recruited for a multicenter open‐label trial. Patients were recruited into 2 weight categories (10–25 kg, >25 kg). Each weight category included 2 dosing levels: C1 INH‐nf (500 units [U], 1000 U) and C1 INH‐nf (1000 U, 1500 U), respectively. Patients experiencing an angioedema attack were given a single intravenous dose. Primary efficacy end‐point was the onset of unequivocal relief of the defining symptom within 4 h following initiation of C1 INH‐nf treatment.ResultsNine children were treated: 3 (10–25 kg) received 500 U; 3 (>25 kg) received 1000 U; and 3 (>25 kg) received 1500 U. The lower weight/higher dose category (10–25 kg, 1000 U) was not successfully enrolled. All patients completed the study. Most angioedema attacks (n = 5) were abdominal. All patients met the primary end‐point; median time to unequivocal symptom relief was 0.5 (range: 0.25–2.5) h. Doses of C1 INH‐nf ranged from 20.8 to 51.9 U/kg.ConclusionsTreatment of a single angioedema attack with C1 INH‐nf doses of 500 U (in patients 10–25 kg), 1000 U, and 1500 U (in patients >25 kg) were well tolerated. Doses of C1 INH‐nf <1000 U may be appropriate in some pediatric patients.