bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparing bark thickness: testing methods with bark–stem data from two South African fire‐prone biomes
Authors: Hempson Gareth P. , Midgley Jeremy J. , Lawes Michael J. , Vickers Karen J. , Kruger Laurence M. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractAimsBark thickness–stem diameter relationships are non‐linear above a stem diameter threshold in many woody species, which makes relative bark thickness measures dependent on the range of stem diameters that are sampled. This influences the appropriateness of different methods for comparing fire responses of woody plants across studies. Here we develop a framework for bark thickness comparisons by evaluating relative bark thickness estimates and bark thickness predictions obtained from linear and curved models fitted to raw and log‐transformed bark–stem data. We use this framework to contrast bark thickness among fynbos and savanna plant functional groups.LocationFynbos (17 species) and savanna (21 species) systems in South Africa.MethodsThe linear subset of bark–stem data was identified using a three‐step procedure. Linear regressions (with and without an intercept) and curved models (allometric and modified exponential models) were fitted to the linear subset and complete raw bark–stem data set, respectively. In addition, linear regression models were fitted to the log‐transformed complete bark–stem data set. Regression slopes and bark thickness predictions obtained from these different approaches were compared, to determine which method provides the most robust metric for comparing bark thickness. Bark thickness was compared among fynbos resprouter guilds and acacias from low‐ and high‐fire savannas.ResultsThe slope of the regression model fitted to the linear subset of raw bark–stem data provides a reliable metric for general comparisons of relative bark thickness. Bark thickness predictions from the curved and log models were comparable at 20‐cm stem diameter, but the log model underestimated bark thickness at 5 cm for certain species. Relative bark thickness was significantly higher in: (1) fynbos fire resisters and epicormic resprouters than in non‐resprouters; and (2) acacias from high‐ vs low‐fire savannas.ConclusionsThe slope of the regression model fitted to the linear subset of raw bark–stem data is a useful metric for bark thickness comparisons across studies, and compares favourably with bark thickness predictions derived from models fitted to the complete bark–stem data set. Fynbos and savanna trends support the proposition that relative bark thickness reflects differences in woody plant responses to fire and indicate the modal fire regime of ecosystems.
Fish in space: local variations of home range and habitat use of a stream‐dwelling fish in relation to predator density
Authors: Lucas M. C. , Bubb D. H. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractA key response of animals to local environmental variation is altered use of space, but studies simultaneously examining local variation in habitat use and space use are uncommon. We predicted that elevated abundance of avian predators would result in grayling Thymallus thymallus, a stream‐dwelling fish, using mesohabitats containing more cover, superimposed on seasonal changes in use of key resources (and hence space use) for functions such as reproduction. Using radio‐telemetry, the pattern of space and habitat use by 40 wild grayling was determined in neighbouring stream sections in relation to season and predator density. Grayling used different habitats between seasons, but displayed similar patterns of habitat use in adjacent sections. Although patterns of habitat use were stable between stream sections, space use was not. In two winter periods, grayling ranged significantly more widely where there were significantly greater densities of avian predators, especially cormorant, Phalacrocorax carbo. No such differences were apparent in summer when cormorants were absent, but experimental manipulation of predator densities was not possible, so results are correlative. Support for a predator effect is provided from significantly greater rates of injury, associated with avian beak scar marks, present on grayling from the section with highest avian predator densities, compared with adjacent sections with lower levels of avian predators. Unlike many studies of fish behaviour to elevated predation risk, in which fish make greater use of ‘refuge’ habitat, grayling exhibited wide‐ranging behaviour and high activity, possibly reflecting avoidance behaviour.
Cabozantinib reverses multidrug resistance of human hepatoma HepG2/adr cells by modulating the function of P‐glycoprotein
Authors: Xiang Qing‐feng , Zhang Dong‐mei , Wang Jing‐nan , Zhang Hong‐wu , Zheng Zhe‐yu , Yu Da‐cheng , Li Ying‐jie , Xu Jun , Chen Ya‐jin , Shang Chang‐zhen 
Published: March 2014

AbstractBackground & AimsCabozantinib, a small‐molecule multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor, has entered into a phase III clinical trial for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study assessed the mechanistic effect of cabozantinib on the reversal of P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp)‐mediated multidrug resistance (MDR).MethodsCCK‐8 assays and tumour xenografts were used to investigate the reversal of MDR in vitro and in vivo respectively. Substrate retention assays were evaluated by fluorescence microscope and flow cytometry. Western blotting was used to detect protein expression levels. mRNA expression was determined by qPCR. The ATPase activity of P‐gp was investigated using Pgp‐Glo™ assay systems. The binding mechanism of cabozantinib to P‐gp at the molecular level was evaluated using docking analysis.ResultsCabozantinib enhanced the cytotoxicity of P‐gp substrate drugs in HepG2/adr and HEK293‐MDR1 cells but had no effect on non‐P‐gp substrates. In addition, cabozantinib increased the accumulation of P‐gp substrates in HepG2/adr cells but had no effect in HepG2 cells. Furthermore, cabozantinib did not alter the expression of P‐gp mRNA or protein but did stimulate the activity of P‐gp ATPase. The docking study indicated that cabozantinib and verapamil may partially share a binding site on P‐gp. The reversal concentrations of cabozantinib did not affect the expression of MET, AKT and ERK1/2. Significantly, cabozantinib increased the inhibitory efficacy of doxorubicin in P‐gp‐overexpressing HepG2/adr cell xenografts in nude mice.ConclusionCabozantinib reverses P‐gp‐mediated MDR by directly inhibiting the efflux function of P‐gp, indicating that cabozantinib may help to reverse P‐gp‐mediated MDR in HCC and other cancer chemotherapy.
Mesh size effects on mesozooplankton community structure in a semi‐enclosed coastal area and surrounding sea (South Adriatic Sea)
Authors: Miloslavić Marijana , Lučić Davor , Gangai Barbara , Onofri Ivona 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThis paper presents the results from a study in which two commonly used plankton mesh sizes (125 and 200 μm) were compared. We examined the influence of the mesh size effects on zooplankton community structure by comparing abundance, biomass and seasonal cycles of mesozooplankton. The study was performed at five stations (four in the marine lakes ‘Veliko jezero’ and ‘Malo jezero’, and one in the open sea in front of the lakes) during a 1‐year period (February 2008–February 2009). The estimated differences obtained from the catch results of the different mesh nets were more pronounced in semi‐enclosed coastal areas, such as lakes, than in the oligotrophic conditions prevailing at the station in the front of the lakes. Total zooplankton abundance with the 125‐μm net was significantly greater than with the 200‐μm net. The differences were mainly due to the loss of small‐sized copepods in the samples collected with the 200‐μm net. Excepting copepods, major losses were recorded for Limacina spp. and Bivalvia larvae. Abundance losses through the coarser net reflect the community structure and seasonal abundance pattern, which is most pronounced during the summer. Diversity indices and total dry weight were less influenced by mesh selection. The retention efficiency of the 125‐μm mesh size must be taken into account to provide a reliable description of the mesozooplankton community structure in coastal and especially eutrophicated areas. The 200‐μm mesh net could be recommended for oligotrophic systems due to the catch of larger calanoid species that contribute to overall zooplankton biomass, and because it allows a comparison with historical datasets.
A Novel Method for In Vivo Visualization of the Microcirculation of the Mandibular Periosteum in Rats
Authors: Varga Renáta , Janovszky Ágnes , Szabó Andrea , Garab Dénes , Bodnár Dóra , Boros Mihály , Neunzehn Jörg , Wiesmann Hans‐Peter , Piffkó József 
Published: March 2014

AbstractObjectiveThe periosteum plays an important role in bone physiology, but observation of its microcirculation is greatly limited by methodological constraints at certain anatomical locations. This study was conducted to develop a microsurgical procedure which provides access to the mandibular periosteum in rats.MethodsComparisons of the microcirculatory characteristics with those of the tibial periosteum were performed to confirm the functional integrity of the microvasculature. The mandibular periosteum was reached between the facial muscles and the anterior surface of the superficial masseter muscle at the external surface of the mandibular corpus; the tibial periosteum was prepared by dissecting the covering muscles at the anteromedial surface. Intravital fluorescence microscopy was used to assess the leukocyte–endothelial interactions and the RBCV in the tibial and mandibular periosteum. Both structures were also visualized through OPS and fluorescence CLSM.ResultsThe microcirculatory variables in the mandibular periosteum proved similar to those in the tibia, indicating that no microcirculatory failure resulted from the exposure technique.ConclusionThis novel surgical approach provides simple access to the mandibular periosteum of the rat, offering an excellent opportunity for investigations of microcirculatory manifestations of dentoalveolar and maxillofacial diseases.
Potential role of skeletal muscle glucose metabolism on the regulation of insulin secretion
Authors: Mizgier M. L. , Casas M. , Contreras‐Ferrat A. , Llanos P. , Galgani J. E. 
Published: March 2014

SummaryPancreatic beta cells sense glucose flux and release as much insulin as required in order to maintain glycaemia within a narrow range. Insulin secretion is regulated by many factors including glucose, incretins, and sympathetic and parasympathetic tones among other physiological factors. To identify the mechanisms linking obesity‐related insulin resistance with impaired insulin secretion represents a central challenge. Recently, it has been argued that a crosstalk between skeletal muscle and the pancreas may regulate insulin secretion. Considering that skeletal muscle is the largest organ in non‐obese subjects and a major site of insulin‐ and exercise‐stimulated glucose disposal, it appears plausible that muscle might interact with the pancreas and modulate insulin secretion for appropriate peripheral intracellular glucose utilization. There is growing evidence that muscle can secrete so‐called myokines that can have auto/para/endocrine actions. Although it is unclear in which direction they act, interleukin‐6 seems to be a possible muscle‐derived candidate protein mediating such inter‐organ communication. We herein review some of the putative skeletal muscle‐derived factors mediating this interaction. In addition, the evidence coming from in vitro, animal and human studies that support such inter‐organ crosstalk is thoroughly discussed.
What do relatives experience when supporting someone in early psychosis?
Authors: Wainwright Laura D. , Glentworth David , Haddock Gillian , Bentley Ros , Lobban Fiona 
Published: March 2014

ObjectivesIn the United Kingdom (UK), the government has set out priorities to support relatives and carers. Despite this, many relatives of people experiencing psychosis continue to feel unsupported by mental health services. This may be due to lack of funding, high caseloads for mental health professionals, or due to a lack of understanding of what relatives experience as a result of their family member's psychosis. This research aimed to explore relatives’ experiences of supporting a relative in early psychosis.DesignThematic analysis was used to conduct an in‐depth study of relatives’ experiences of supporting a family member in early psychosis.MethodsEligible individuals were recruited via local National Health Service Early Intervention Teams and other carer support agencies. Four focus groups were conducted, each with a range of five to seven participants.ResultsFour key themes ‘reflecting relatives’ understanding and management of psychosis were identified: ‘Psychosis from the relatives’ perspective’; ‘Relatives’ fight with the mental health ‘system’; ‘Is anybody listening? Does anyone understand?’; and ‘Relatives’ coping’. Clinical implications of these themes are discussed.ConclusionsThis study has clear implications for improvement in how relatives are supported in the United Kingdom, such as; clearer guidance for staff about confidentiality, treating relatives as partners in care and providing better quality information for relatives.Practitioner points

Continue to improve the Care Plan Approach process to include relatives as partners in care.

Information available about psychosis needs to be clear and, where possible, clarify the processes and protocols by which services operate and how to access appropriate help.

Move away from simplistic rules about confidentiality and formalise procedures to allow relatives and carers access to the information they need, without impeding service users’ rights. For example, providing additional training for professionals such as Rethink's ‘Carers and Confidentiality’ online resource (http://www.carersandconfidentiality.org.uk/).

Improved support, supervision and training are needed for staff to deal with relatives’ distress and the impact of psychosis.

Relatives’ experiences of services is more positive in specialist Early Interventions Services for psychosis, than in other health service teams.
Transgenic alteration of ethylene biosynthesis increases grain yield in maize under field drought‐stress conditions
Authors: Habben Jeffrey E. , Bao Xiaoming , Bate Nicholas J. , DeBruin Jason L. , Dolan Dennis , Hasegawa Darren , Helentjaris Timothy G. , Lafitte Renee H. , Lovan Nina , Mo Hua , Reimann Kellie , Schussler Jeffrey R. 
Published: March 2014

SummaryA transgenic gene‐silencing approach was used to modulate the levels of ethylene biosynthesis in maize (Zea mays L.) and determine its effect on grain yield under drought stress in a comprehensive set of field trials. Commercially relevant transgenic events were created with down‐regulated ACC synthases (ACSs), enzymes that catalyse the rate‐limiting step in ethylene biosynthesis. These events had ethylene emission levels reduced approximately 50% compared with nontransgenic nulls. Multiple, independent transgenic hybrids and controls were tested in field trials at managed drought‐stress and rain‐fed locations throughout the US. Analysis of yield data indicated that transgenic events had significantly increased grain yield over the null comparators, with the best event having a 0.58 Mg/ha (9.3 bushel/acre) increase after a flowering period drought stress. A (genotype × transgene) × environment interaction existed among the events, highlighting the need to better understand the context in which the down‐regulation of ACSs functions in maize. Analysis of secondary traits showed that there was a consistent decrease in the anthesis‐silking interval and a concomitant increase in kernel number/ear in transgene‐positive events versus nulls. Selected events were also field tested under a low‐nitrogen treatment, and the best event was found to have a significant 0.44 Mg/ha (7.1 bushel/acre) yield increase. This set of extensive field evaluations demonstrated that down‐regulating the ethylene biosynthetic pathway can improve the grain yield of maize under abiotic stress conditions.
Ectopic expression of GmPAP3 enhances salt tolerance in rice by alleviating oxidative damage
Authors: Deng Lixi , Chen Fen , Jiang Liping , Lam Hon‐Ming , Xiao Guoying 
Published: March 2014

AbstractGmPAP3, a purple acid phosphatase from soybean (Glycine max), was previously shown to alleviate salt stress in BY‐2 cells and Arabidopsis thaliana by reducing oxidative damage. To make use of GmPAP3 for crop improvement, we investigated whether the protective function of GmPAP3 is persistent in rice. Compared with the untransformed wild type, the transgenic rice plants exhibited enhanced germination rate, longer shoots and roots, and higher survival rate under salt stress, when compared to the untransformed control. In addition, the transgenic plants also showed increased activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), proline content, water content and chlorophyll content, but decreased electrolyte leakage and malondialdehyde content in leaves. These results indicate that the expression of GmPAP3 could be used to enhance salt tolerance in rice.
Evaluation of electrocardiographic parameters for early diagnosis of autonomic dysfunction in children and adolescents with type‐1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Uysal Fahrettin , Ozboyaci Evren , Bostan Ozlem , Saglam Halil , Semizel Evren , Cil Ergun 
Published: March 2014

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study was to identify the sensitivity of electrocardiogram (ECG) in early diagnosis of cardiac autonomic function disorder in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus.MethodsA total of 150 children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus were enrolled between June 2009 and June 2010, as well as 100 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy control children. Twelve‐lead ECG was done in all cases and heart rate, QT and QTc interval, dispersion of P wave (Pd), and of QT (QTd) and QTc interval (QTcd) were measured. The clinical and demographic features such as age, gender, duration of follow up and level of HbA1c and fasting glucose were obtained and the effects of these parameters on ECG measurements were investigated.ResultsThe mean age of the patients and controls was 11.61 ± 3.72 years and 10.92 ± 3.2 years, respectively. QT and QTc interval and QTcd interval were significantly higher in diabetic children compared to healthy controls but these ECG findings were not associated with the duration of diabetes or glycemic state. Pd was significantly higher in the diabetic patients with HbA1c >7.5% compared to control, and this was also found in patients that were followed up >1 year.ConclusionsCardiac autonomic function disorder, which is one of the most important causes of morbidity and mortality, may emerge in the course of type 1 diabetes mellitus. It can be diagnosed on ECG even when the patients are asymptomatic.
Bifidobacterium and enteral feeding in preterm infants: Cluster‐randomized trial
Authors: Totsu Satsuki , Yamasaki Chika , Terahara Masaki , Uchiyama Atsushi , Kusuda Satoshi ,   Probiotics Study Group in Japan
Published: March 2014

AbstractBackgroundThis study evaluated the benefit of Bifidobacterium bifidum OLB6378 (B. bifidum) in very low‐birthweight (VLBW) infants (birthweight <1500 g) for the acceleration of enteral feeding.MethodsA cluster‐randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial was conducted in 19 hospitals, divided into two groups: the B group (n = 10 hospitals; B. bifidum given to infants within 48 h of birth) and the P group (n = 9 hospitals; infants received a placebo). The primary outcome was establishment of enteral feeding after birth, defined as the postnatal day at which enteral feeding exceeded 100 mL/(kg/day). Secondary outcomes were defined as incidence of morbidity and somatic growth before discharge.ResultsOverall, 283 VLBW infants were enrolled in the study: B group, n = 153; and P group, n = 130. Enteral feeding was established within 21 days after birth in 233 infants, of whom 119 received B. bifidum and 114 received placebo until their bodyweight reached 2000 g. Enteral feeding was established significantly earlier in the B group, at 11.0 ± 3.6 days versus 12.1 ± 3.8days in P group (P < 0.05). Infant growth during the stay in the neonatal intensive care unit was not different between groups, but the incidence of late‐onset sepsis among all enrolled infants was significantly lower in the B group (3.9%, 6/153) than in the P group (10.0%, 13/130; P < 0.05). No differences were observed in the incidence of other adverse outcomes including mortality.ConclusionsB. bifidum in VLBW infants accelerated the establishment of enteral feeding after birth without increasing the incidence of adverse effects.
Enhanced Efficacy of Photodynamic Therapy via a Sequential Targeting Protocol
Authors: Kessel David , Reiners John J. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThis study was designed to examine determinants of the discovery that low‐dose lysosomal photodamage (lyso‐PDT) could potentiate the efficacy of subsequent low‐dose mitochondrial photodamage (mito‐PDT). The chlorin NPe6 and the benzoporphyrin derivative (BPD) were used to separately target lysosomes and mitochondria, respectively, in murine hepatoma cells. Lyso‐PDT (LD5 conditions) followed by mito‐PDT (LD15 conditions) enhanced the loss of the mitochondrial membrane potential, activation of procaspases‐3/7 and photokilling. Reversing the sequence was less effective. The optimal sequence did not enhance reactive oxygen species formation above that obtained with low‐dose mito‐PDT. In contrast, alkalinization of lysosomes with bafilomycin also enhanced low‐dose mito‐PDT photokilling, but via a different pathway. This involves redistribution of iron from lysosomes to mitochondria leading to enhanced hydroxyl radical formation, effects not observed after the sequential procedure. Moreover, Ru360, an inhibitor of mitochondrial calcium and iron uptake, partially suppressed the ability of bafilomycin to enhance mito‐PDT photokilling without affecting the enhanced efficacy of the sequential protocol. We conclude that sequential PDT protocol promotes PDT efficacy by a process not involving iron translocation, but via promotion of the pro‐apoptotic signal that derives from mitochondrial photodamage.
Thermal requirements and population dynamics of root‐knot nematodes on cucumber and yield losses under protected cultivation
Authors: Giné A. , López‐Gómez M. , Vela M. D. , Ornat C. , Talavera M. , Verdejo‐Lucas S. , Sorribas F. J. 
Published: March 2014

Several studies were carried out to determine (i) thermal requirements for development, egg production and emergence of juveniles, and completion of the life cycle of Meloidogyne incognita and Meloidogyne javanica on cucumber, (ii) the maximum multiplication rate and the equilibrium density of root‐knot nematodes on cucumber and yield losses in pot and plastic greenhouse experiments, and (iii) the relationships between relative leaf chlorophyll content (RLCC) and relative cucumber dry top weight biomass (RDTWB) in relation to increasing nematode densities at planting (Pi) in pot experiments. Thermal requirements of M. incognita and M. javanica on cucumber did not differ, irrespective of the biological stage. In the pot experiments, M. javanica completed one generation. The maximum multiplication rate (a) was 833, and the equilibrium density (E) varied according to the effective inoculum densities. The relationship between RDTWB and Pi fitted the Seinhorst damage function model. The RLCC value at 40 or 50 days post‐inoculation also fitted the damage model and was related to RDTWB. In greenhouse experiments, conducted from 2009 to 2012, M. incognita completed three generations. The values for a and E were 1147 and 625 second stage juveniles (J2) per 250 cm3 soil, respectively. The tolerance limit was below zero, and the minimum relative yield ranged from 0·12 to 0·34.