bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Performance of late succession species along a chronosequence: Environment does not exclude Sphagnum fuscum from the early stages of mire development
Authors: Laine Anna M. , Ehonen Sanna , Juurola Eija , Mehtätalo Lauri , Tuittila Eeva‐Stiina 
Published: September 2014

AbstractQuestionsSphagnum fuscum (Schimp.) Klinggr. is a characteristic species of the later stages of mire development. It is hypothesized that competition limits its success in earlier successional stages where higher mineral nutrient availability and wetter conditions favour species with a higher production rate and, therefore, a stronger ability to compete. We aim to quantify the importance of different site factors and the effect of neighbouring plants on the performance of S. fuscum.LocationA mire chronosequence from a land uplift coast towards inland on the Finnish side of Bothnia Bay, Baltic Sea.MethodsWe transplanted S. fuscum to seven sites along a mire chronosequence for a period of two growing seasons. Neighbouring plants were removed from half of the locations/transplants. We measured several growth‐related parameters, such as rate of photosynthesis, chlorophyll fluorescence (Fv/Fm) and abundance of mosses.ResultsSphagnum fuscum samples did not survive in the recently exposed sandy shore stage and in fen flarks with extensive sedge cover. Photosynthesis and abundance of transplanted S. fuscum were highest in the wet meadows, the stages that immediately follow the sandy shore stage. Photosynthetic rate and Fv/Fm were low in the late succession bog site compared to the younger successional sites. The occurrence of neighbouring plants decreased the abundance of the transplanted mosses but improved the physiological state. The impact was similar throughout the successional chronosequence.ConclusionsThe site factors favourable for rapid Sphagnum growth in general also favoured S. fuscum. The low photosynthesis, respiration and Fv/Fm of intact S. fuscum growing in its natural habitat compared to the surviving transplants in the younger sites suggests that in order to occur in its natural habitat, S. fuscum needs to allocate resources for photoprotective mechanisms. Our results indicate that under better environmental conditions, these resources can be allocated to the photosynthetic apparatus to increase growth.
Artisanal and commercial fishing gear and practices in the Lake Victoria basin drainage systems of Kenya: A photodiagrammatic verification
Authors: Okeyo Daniel O. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractThis study focused on providing a photodiagrammatic database illustrating various types of fishing gear and practical skills currently used in artisanal and commercial fishing in the shoreline, nearshore and offshore areas drainage systems of Kenya in the Lake Victoria drainage basin. It also identified the fish species typically caught by the fishing gear, and the gear catch per unit effort and selectivity. Four artisanal fishing gears (spear, trap, basket and hook) and two commercial gears (mosquito seine and purse seine) are used to fish in shoreline areas. Five commercial fishing gears (gill net, parallel tennis net, semicircular‐tennis net, sett net, long line) are used to fish in nearshore areas, while two commercial gears (drift net and offshore seine net) are used in offshore areas. For artisanal fishing, the basket is the most efficient gear for catching six fish species. The mosquito seine is the most efficient commercial fishing gear for catching 22 fish species. There is evidence for a chronological shift to more efficient artisanal and commercial fisher handmade fishing gear, resulting in overexploitation of diverse fish species. At the same time, the licensing and management policies for the use of various fishing gear are unclear, suggesting re‐evaluation of policies to cater for the use of handmade fishing gear.
Human‐aided and natural dispersal drive gene flow across the range of an invasive mosquito
Authors: Medley Kim A. , Jenkins David G. , Hoffman Eric A. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractHuman‐aided transport is responsible for many contemporary species introductions, yet the contribution of human‐aided transport to dispersal within non‐native regions is less clear. Understanding dispersal dynamics for invasive species can streamline mitigation efforts by targeting routes that contribute disproportionally to spread. Because of its limited natural dispersal ability, rapid spread of the Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) has been attributed to human‐aided transport, but until now, the relative roles of human‐aided and natural movement have not been rigorously evaluated. Here, we use landscape genetics and information‐theoretic model selection to evaluate 52 models representing 9240 pairwise dispersal paths among sites across the US range for Ae. albopictus and show that recent gene flow reflects a combination of natural and human‐aided dispersal. Highways and water availability facilitate dispersal at a broad spatial scale, but gene flow is hindered by forests at the current distributional limit (range edge) and by agriculture among sites within the mosquito's native climatic niche (range core). Our results show that highways are important to genetic structure between range‐edge and range‐core pairs, suggesting a role for human‐aided mosquito transport to the range edge. In contrast, natural dispersal is dominant at smaller spatial scales, reflecting a shifting dominance to natural movement two decades after introduction. These conclusions highlight the importance of (i) early intervention for species introductions, particularly those with readily dispersed dormant stages and short generation times, and (ii) strict monitoring of commercial shipments for transported immature stages of Ae. albopictus, particularly towards the northern edge of the US range.
Overexpression of bacterial γ‐glutamylcysteine synthetase mediates changes in cadmium influx, allocation and detoxification in poplar
Authors: He Jiali , Li Hong , Ma Chaofeng , Zhang Yanli , Polle Andrea , Rennenberg Heinz , Cheng Xingqi , Luo Zhi‐Bin 
Published: September 2014

Summary

Overexpression of bacterial γ‐glutamylcysteine synthetase in the cytosol of Populus tremula × P. alba produces higher glutathione (GSH) concentrations in leaves, thereby indicating the potential for cadmium (Cd) phytoremediation. However, the net Cd2+ influx in association with H+/Ca2+, Cd tolerance, and the underlying molecular and physiological mechanisms are uncharacterized in these poplars.

We assessed net Cd2+ influx, Cd tolerance and the transcriptional regulation of several genes involved in Cd2+ transport and detoxification in wild‐type and transgenic poplars.

Poplars exhibited highest net Cd2+ influxes into roots at pH 5.5 and 0.1 mM Ca2+. Transgenics had higher Cd2+ uptake rates and elevated transcript levels of several genes involved in Cd2+ transport and detoxification compared with wild‐type poplars. Transgenics exhibited greater Cd accumulation in the aerial parts than wild‐type plants in response to Cd2+ exposure. Moreover, transgenic poplars had lower concentrations of O2˙− and H2O2; higher concentrations of total thiols, GSH and oxidized GSH in roots and/or leaves; and stimulated foliar GSH reductase activity compared with wild‐type plants.

These results indicate that transgenics are more tolerant of 100 μM Cd2+ than wild‐type plants, probably due to the GSH‐mediated induction of the transcription of genes involved in Cd2+ transport and detoxification.
Narrow‐band UVB phototherapy for management of oral chronic graft‐versus‐host disease
Authors: Treister Nathaniel , Li Shuli , Lerman Mark A , Lee Stephanie , Soiffer Robert 
Published: September 2014

AbstractObjectivesOral chronic graft‐versus‐host disease (cGVHD) is a debilitating complication following allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of intraoral narrow‐band ultraviolet B (NB‐UVB) phototherapy in the management of oral cGVHD.MethodsPatients with oral cGVHD were treated using a custom NB‐UVB unit for a course of 24 phototherapy sessions. Treatments were initiated at 50 mJ/cm2 and increased by 10% at each visit unless toxicity was noted. Toxicity and response were assessed weekly.ResultsEleven patients received a median of 22 (range 4–39) NB‐UVB treatments; 5 patients completed 24 treatments and elected to receive a median of 7 additional treatments. Median symptom scores (0–10) for sensitivity, pain, and dryness at baseline/end of therapy were 7.5, 3, 1, and 3, 1, 2, respectively. Taking into account all patient‐reported outcomes, 7/11 patients had improvement and 2/11 worsened. At least partial improvement was reported in 8/11 patients with none reporting worsening. Overtreatment occurred in 10/11 patients with all graded mild or moderate and resolving in 1–2 days.ConclusionsIntraoral NB‐UVB may be effective for management of refractory oral cGVHD. Further optimization of treatment parameters, as well as minimal erythema dose testing, and inclusion of a control arm are necessary in the consideration of future studies.
Young Voters and War: The Iraq War as a Catalyst for Political Participation
Authors: Moffett Kenneth W. , Rice Laurie L. , Madupalli Ramana 
Published: September 2014

ObjectiveWe investigate whether the Iraq War might be a catalyzing event for this generation, like Vietnam was for baby boomers or World War II for the “greatest generation,” through testing how opinions about the war influence patterns of political participation.MethodsUsing data from an Internet‐based survey of randomly sampled college students at a midwestern state university and the 2008 National Election Studies, we investigate the relationship between disapproval of Bush's handling of the Iraq War and a variety of forms of political participation, including two that are new in this generation: “friending” or joining an online political group or expressing one's political views online.ResultsWe discover that young voters who expressed opposition to Bush's handling of the war in Iraq are more likely to be civically engaged.ConclusionWhile it is too early to determine how long the effect will last or how it will change over the course of young voters’ life cycles, at least in the short term, it appears opposition to the Iraq War has catalyzed greater levels of political participation.
A Fourier‐series‐based Virtual Fields Method for the Identification of 2‐D Stiffness and Traction Distributions
Authors: Nguyen T.  T. , Huntley J.  M. , Ashcroft I.  A. , Ruiz P.  D. , Pierron F. 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACTThe virtual fields method (VFM) allows spatial distributions of material properties to be calculated from experimentally determined strain fields. A numerically efficient Fourier‐series‐based extension to the VFM (the F‐VFM) has recently been developed, in which the unknown stiffness distribution is parameterised in the spatial frequency domain rather than in the spatial domain as used in the classical VFM. However, the boundary conditions for the F‐VFM are assumed to be well‐defined, whereas in practice, the traction distributions on the perimeter of the region of interest are rarely known to any degree of accuracy. In the current paper, we therefore consider how the F‐VFM theory can be extended to deal with the case of unknown boundary conditions. Three different approaches are proposed; their ability to reconstruct normalised stiffness distributions and traction distributions around the perimeter from noisy input strain fields is assessed through simulations based on a forward finite element analysis. Finally, a practical example is given involving experimental strain fields from a diametral compression test on an aluminium disc.
Red cell alloimmunisation following intrauterine transfusion and the feasibility of providing extended phenotype‐matched red cell units
Authors: Doyle B. , Quigley J. , Lambert M. , Crumlish J. , Walsh C. , Adshead S. , Woolfson M. , McParland P. , Culliton M. , Fitzgerald J. 
Published: September 2014

SUMMARYObjectivesTo analyse the incidence of additional alloantibody formation following intrauterine red cell transfusion and to evaluate the feasibility of providing extended phenotype‐matched red cells in future intrauterine transfusion (IUT).BackgroundIUT is performed in severe, life‐threatening fetal anaemia, usually in alloimmunised pregnancies. Its complications include the formation of additional alloantibodies to other red cell antigens.Materials and methodsThis was an 11‐year retrospective, observational study of additional alloantibody formation in patients receiving IUT in the National Maternity Hospital, Dublin. The study included evaluation of the donor population in the Republic of Ireland (RoI) with regards to the feasibility of providing extended phenotype‐matched units in future IUT.ResultsFollowing IUT, 22% of mothers formed additional red cell alloantibodies. In 67% of cases, the transfused donor red cells expressed the cognate antigen. Suitable donors are available for most combinations of Fy, Jk and Ss antigens.ConclusionsIn our population, it is feasible to provide more extensively phenotype‐matched red cells for future IUT. These can be supplied from the current donor pool with no significant extra phenotyping required. We consider their provision to be a reasonable proactive step in a known at‐risk group.
Two inositol hexakisphosphate kinases drive inositol pyrophosphate synthesis in plants
Authors: Desai Mintu , Rangarajan Padma , Donahue Janet L. , Williams Sarah P. , Land Eric S. , Mandal Mihir K. , Phillippy Brian Q. , Perera Imara Y. , Raboy Victor , Gillaspy Glenda E. 
Published: September 2014

SummaryInositol pyrophosphates are unique cellular signaling molecules with recently discovered roles in energy sensing and metabolism. Studies in eukaryotes have revealed that these compounds have a rapid turnover, and thus only small amounts accumulate. Inositol pyrophosphates have not been the subject of investigation in plants even though seeds produce large amounts of their precursor, myo‐inositol hexakisphosphate (InsP6). Here, we report that Arabidopsis and maize InsP6 transporter mutants have elevated levels of inositol pyrophosphates in their seed, providing unequivocal identification of their presence in plant tissues. We also show that plant seeds store a little over 1% of their inositol phosphate pool as InsP7 and InsP8. Many tissues, including, seed, seedlings, roots and leaves accumulate InsP7 and InsP8, thus synthesis is not confined to tissues with high InsP6. We have identified two highly similar Arabidopsis genes, AtVip1 and AtVip2, which are orthologous to the yeast and mammalian VIP kinases. Both AtVip1 and AtVip2 encode proteins capable of restoring InsP7 synthesis in yeast mutants, thus AtVip1 and AtVip2 can function as bonafide InsP6 kinases. AtVip1 and AtVip2 are differentially expressed in plant tissues, suggesting non‐redundant or non‐overlapping functions in plants. These results contribute to our knowledge of inositol phosphate metabolism and will lay a foundation for understanding the role of InsP7 and InsP8 in plants.
Thermodynamics Cycle Analysis, Pressure Loss, and Heat Transfer
Assessment of a Recuperative System for Aero-Engines
Authors: Goulas A. , Donnerhack S. , Flouros M. , Misirlis D. , Vlahostergios Z. , Yakinthos K. 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
Aiming in the direction of designing more efficient aero-engines, various concepts have been developed in recent years, among which is the concept of an intercooled and recuperative aero-engine. Particularly, in the area of recuperation, MTU Aero Engines has been driving research activities in the last decade. This concept is based on the use of a system of heat exchangers (HEXs) mounted inside the hot-gas exhaust nozzle (recuperator). Through the operation of the system of HEXs, the heat from the exhaust gas downstream the LP turbine of the jet engine is driven back to the combustion chamber. Thus, the preheated air enters the engine combustion chamber with increased enthalpy, providing improved combustion and by consequence, increased fuel economy and low-level emissions. If additionally an intercooler is placed between the compressor stages of the aero-engine, the compressed air is then cooled by the intercooler; thus, less compression work is required to reach the compressor target pressure. In this paper, an overall assessment of the system is presented with particular focus on the recuperative system and the HEXs mounted into the aero-engine's exhaust nozzle. The herein presented results were based on the combined use of CFD computations, experimental measurements, and thermodynamic cycle analysis. They focus on the effects of total pressure losses and HEX efficiency on the aero-engine performance especially the engine's overall efficiency and the specific fuel consumption (SFC). More specifically, two different hot-gas exhaust nozzle configurations incorporating modifications in the system of HEXs are examined. The results show that significant improvements can be achieved in overall efficiency and SFC, hence contributing to the reduction of CO2 and NOx emissions. The design of a more sophisticated recuperation system can lead to further improvements in the aero-engine efficiency in the reduction of fuel consumption. This work is part of the European funded research program Low Emissions Core engine Technologies (LEMCOTEC).
High‐resolution three‐dimensional visualization of the rat spinal cord microvasculature by synchrotron radiation micro‐CT
Authors: Hu Jianzhong , Cao Yong , Wu Tianding , Li Dongzhe , Lu Hongbin 
Published: September 2014

Purpose:Understanding the three‐dimensional (3D) morphology of the spinal cord microvasculature has been limited by the lack of an effective high‐resolution imaging technique. In this study, synchrotron radiation microcomputed tomography (SRµCT), a novel imaging technique based on absorption imaging, was evaluated with regard to the detection of the 3D morphology of the rat spinal cord microvasculature.Methods:Ten Sprague‐Dawley rats were used in this ex vivo study. After contrast agent perfusion, their spinal cords were isolated and scanned using conventional x‐rays, conventional micro‐CT (CµCT), and SRµCT.Results:Based on contrast agent perfusion, the microvasculature of the rat spinal cord was clearly visualized for the first time ex vivo in 3D by means of SRµCT scanning. Compared to conventional imaging techniques, SRµCT achieved higher resolution 3D vascular imaging, with the smallest vessel that could be distinguished approximately 7.4 μm in diameter. Additionally, a 3D pseudocolored image of the spinal cord microvasculature was generated in a single session of SRµCT imaging, which was conducive to detailed observation of the vessel morphology.Conclusions:The results of this study indicated that SRµCT scanning could provide higher resolution images of the vascular network of the spinal cord. This modality also has the potential to serve as a powerful imaging tool for the investigation of morphology changes in the 3D angioarchitecture of the neurovasculature in preclinical research.
A simple method to retrospectively estimate patient dose‐area product for chest tomosynthesis examinations performed using VolumeRAD
Authors: Båth Magnus , Söderman Christina , Svalkvist Angelica 
Published: September 2014

Purpose:The purpose of the present work was to develop and validate a method of retrospectively estimating the dose‐area product (DAP) of a chest tomosynthesis examination performed using the VolumeRAD system (GE Healthcare, Chalfont St. Giles, UK) from digital imaging and communications in medicine (DICOM) data available in the scout image.Methods:DICOM data were retrieved for 20 patients undergoing chest tomosynthesis using VolumeRAD. Using information about how the exposure parameters for the tomosynthesis examination are determined by the scout image, a correction factor for the adjustment in field size with projection angle was determined. The correction factor was used to estimate the DAP for 20 additional chest tomosynthesis examinations from DICOM data available in the scout images, which was compared with the actual DAP registered for the projection radiographs acquired during the tomosynthesis examination.Results:A field size correction factor of 0.935 was determined. Applying the developed method using this factor, the average difference between the estimated DAP and the actual DAP was 0.2%, with a standard deviation of 0.8%. However, the difference was not normally distributed and the maximum error was only 1.0%. The validity and reliability of the presented method were thus very high.Conclusions:A method to estimate the DAP of a chest tomosynthesis examination performed using the VolumeRAD system from DICOM data in the scout image was developed and validated. As the scout image normally is the only image connected to the tomosynthesis examination stored in the picture archiving and communication system (PACS) containing dose data, the method may be of value for retrospectively estimating patient dose in clinical use of chest tomosynthesis.
Comparison of the Anthropometric and Physical Characteristics of International and Provincial Rugby Sevens Players
Authors: Ross Alex , Gill Nicholas D. , Cronin John B. 
Published: September 2014

Anthropometrical and physical characteristics have been used to distinguish players of different competition levels and position groups; however, there is no literature on rugby sevens.Purpose:To compare the anthropometrical and physical characteristics of international and provincial rugby sevens players and between forwards and backs.Methods:To assess whether differences exist, 65 rugby sevens players including 22 international players and 43 provincial-level players were assessed for height, mass, body composition, speed, repeated-sprint ability, lower-body power, upper-body strength, and maximal aerobic endurance during in-season preparation for tournaments.Results:Clear differences (2.8−32%; small to very large effect sizes) were observed in all anthropometrical and physical measures between international and provincial players, with the largest differences observed in repeated-sprint ability (5.7%; very large effect size), 40-m-sprint time (4.4%; large effect size), 50-kg squat-jump peak power (32%; large effect size), and multistage fitness-test performance (19%; large effect size). Fewer and smaller differences (0.7−14%; trivial to large effect sizes) were found when comparing forwards and backs, with body height being the most discriminant characteristic (3.5%; large effect size).Conclusions:Lower-level rugby sevens players should seek to improve their overall physical profile, particularly their repeated-sprint ability, to reach higher levels in rugby sevens. Furthermore, positional status may have little importance when preparing for rugby sevens.