bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Asymmetric dimethylarginine contributes to airway nitric oxide deficiency in patients with COPD
Authors: Aydin Murat , Altintas Nejat , Cem Mutlu Levent , Bilir Bulent , Oran Mustafa , Tülübaş Feti , Topçu Birol , Tayfur İsmail , Küçükyalçin Volkan , Kaplan Gizem , Gürel Ahmet 
Published: June 2015

AbstractIntroductionAsymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) and nitric oxide (NO) show their mechanism of action reciprocally, the balance between these molecules contributes to the tight regulation of airways tone and function.ObjectivesThe aim of this study to determine the serum levels of ADMA and NO in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and establish whether their level vary in relation to forced expiratory volume in 1s (FEV1), to assess their role in pathophysiology of COPD.Materials and MethodsThis study consisted of 58 patients with COPD and 30 healthy subjects. Serum ADMA and NO levels were measured using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and the colorimetric method, respectively.ResultsSerum ADMA levels were significantly higher, however, NO levels were lower in patients with COPD compared with controls. ADMA levels were inversely correlated with NO levels. Serum ADMA and NO were significantly correlated with FEV1. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that serum ADMA and NO were independently and significantly associated with the presence of COPD. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that COPD was positively associated with ADMA, additionally COPD and ADMA were independently and inversely associated with NO. NO levels were decreased, ADMA levels were increased compliant with progression of COPD stages.ConclusionWhile circulating ADMA is higher, NO is lower in COPD and both show a strong correlation to the degree of airflow limitation. ADMA seems to be a possible new marker of prognosis of COPD and can be a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of COPD.
Comparison between self‐assembling peptide nanofiber scaffold (SAPNS) and fibrin sealant in neurosurgical hemostasis
Authors: Xu Fei‐fan , Wang Yue‐chun , Sun Stella , Ho Amy S.W. , Lee Derek , Kiang Karrie M.Y. , Zhang Xiao‐qin , Lui Wai‐man , Liu Bai‐yun , Wu Wu‐tian , Leung Gilberto K.K. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractRADA16‐I is a synthetic type I self‐assembling peptide nanofiber scaffold (SAPNS) which may serve as a novel biocompatible hemostatic agent. Its application in neurosurgical hemostasis, however, has not been explored. Although RADA16‐I is nontoxic and nonimmunogenic, its intrinsic acidity may potentially provoke inflammation in the surgically injured brain. We conducted an animal study to compare RADA16‐I with fibrin sealant, a commonly used agent, with the hypothesis that the former would be a comparable alternative. Using a standardized surgical brain injury model, 30 Sprague–Dawley rats were randomized into three treatment groups: RADA16‐I, fibrin sealant or gelatin sponge (control). Animals were sacrificed on day 3 and 42. Astrocytic and microglial infiltrations within the cerebral parenchyma adjacent to the operative site were significantly lower in the RADA16‐I and fibrin sealant groups than control. RADA16‐I did not cause more cellular inflammatory response despite its acidity when compared with fibrin sealant. Immunohistochemical studies showed infiltration by astrocytes and microglia into the fibrin sealant and RADA16‐I grafts, suggesting their potential uses as tissue scaffolds. RADA16‐I is a promising candidate for further translational and clinical studies that focus on its applications as a safe and effective hemostat, proregenerative nanofiber scaffold as well as drug and cell carrier.
The Holy Spirit in Mission
Authors: Ma Julie 
Published: June 2015

AbstractGod initiated mission and intends to achieve it by work of the Holy Spirit. Thus, mission—which God commands his church to accomplish—belongs to God, not to human agency. Prior to ascending to heaven, Jesus promised the Holy Spirit to his disciples, and asked them to wait in Jerusalem. This Holy Spirit is given to enable them to be witnesses of Jesus from Jerusalem to the end of the world. This implies that the church has to partner with the Holy Spirit to fulfil this mission. Missionaries need to consciously work together with Spirit and be directed and guided by the Spirit.
sST2 levels are associated with all‐cause mortality in anticoagulated patients with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Vílchez Juan A. , Pérez‐Cuellar Montserrat , Marín Francisco , Gallego Pilar , Manzano‐Fernández Sergio , Valdés Mariano , Vicente Vicente , Noguera‐Velasco José A. , Lip Gregory Y. H. , Ordóñez‐Llanos Jordi , Roldán Vanessa 
Published: June 2015

AbstractBackgroundAtrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with high morbidity and mortality, even despite the use of oral anticoagulation (OAC). Soluble suppression of tumorigenicity‐2 (sST2) is a member of the interleukin‐1 receptor family [interleukin‐1 receptor‐like 1 (IL1RL1)], which has been associated with an increased risk of mortality and morbidity in heart failure or acute coronary syndrome. We assessed the predictive value of sST2 levels in an unselected ‘real‐world’ cohort of anticoagulated AF patients.MethodsWe included 562 patients (49% male; median age 77 [IQR: 71–82]) with permanent AF who were stable (for at least 6 months) on OAC (INRs 2·0–3·0). sST2 levels were quantified by ELISA. Patients were followed‐up for up to 4 years, and cardiovascular events and all‐cause mortality were recorded.ResultsMedian (IQR) of sST2 levels was 51·23 (39·09–67·40) μg/L. Median follow‐up was 1587 days [IQR 1482–1617], and during this period, 91 patients died (16·2%, 3·72%/year). The c‐statistic for predicting mortality with sST2 was 0·58 + 0·03; P = 0·017). On multivariate analysis, age [hazard ratio (HR) 1·09 (1·05–1·13); P < 0·001], diabetes mellitus [1·76 (1·08–2·88); P = 0·023], previous stroke [2·16 (1·29–3·60); P = 0·003] and sST2 levels [1·008 (1·002–1·14); P = 0·008] were independently associated with mortality. Concentrations of sST2 were also significantly associated with the risk of mortality, even after adjusting for the CHA2DS2–VASc score [HR: 1·007 (1·001–1·013); P = 0·014].ConclusionsIn an anticoagulated AF patient's cohort, sST2 levels are an independent predictive factor of all‐cause mortality. sST2 levels could be a biomarker used to improve clinical risk assessment in anticoagulated AF patients.
Behavioural and chemical mechanisms of plant‐mediated deterrence and attraction among frugivorous insects
Authors: ZEILINGER ADAM R. , OLSON DAWN M. , MACLEAN DAN , MORI NAOKI , NAKATA RYU , ANDOW DAVID A. 
Published: June 2015

1. Herbivory often induces systemic plant responses that affect the host choice of subsequent herbivores, either deterring or attracting them, with implications for the performance of both herbivore and host plant. Combining measures of herbivore movement and consumption can efficiently provide insights into the induced plant responses that are most important for determining choice behaviour.2. The preferences of two frugivorous stink bug species,Nezara viridulaandEuschistus servusbetween cotton plants left undamaged or damaged byHelicoverpa zeaandHeliothis virescenslarvae were investigated. A novel consumer movement model was used to investigate if attraction rates or leaving rates determined preferences. Stink bug consumption rates were measured using salivary sheath flanges. Finally, the systemic induction of selected phenolic‐based and terpenoid secondary metabolites were measured from heliothine herbivory on developing cotton bolls, to investigate if they explained stink bug feeding responses.3. Heliothine herbivory did not affect theN. viridulafeeding preference. However, we found opposing effects ofH. zeaandH. virescensherbivory on the behaviour ofE. servus. Avoidance ofH. zea‐damaged plants is not obviously related to phenolic or terpenoid induction in cotton bolls; whereas a preference forH. virescens‐damaged plants may be related to reductions in chlorogenic acid in boll carpel walls.4. The present results highlight the inferential power of measuring both consumer movement and consumption in preference experiments and combining behavioural responses with phytochemical responses. Furthermore, while plant‐mediated interactions among herbivorous insects are well studied, interactions among frugivorous species specifically have been poorly documented.
Structural characterization of human galectin‐4 C‐terminal domain: elucidating the molecular basis for recognition of glycosphingolipids, sulfated saccharides and blood group antigens
Authors: Bum‐Erdene Khuchtumur , Leffler Hakon , Nilsson Ulf J. , Blanchard Helen 
Published: June 2015

Human galectin‐4 is a lectin that is expressed mainly in the gastrointestinal tract and exhibits metastasis‐promoting roles in some cancers. Its tandem‐repeat nature exhibits two distinct carbohydrate recognition domains allowing crosslinking by simultaneous binding to sulfated and non‐sulfated (but not sialylated) glycosphingolipids and glycoproteins, facilitating stabilization of lipid rafts. Critically, galectin‐4 exerts favourable or unfavourable effects depending upon the cancer. Here we report the first X‐ray crystallographic structural information on human galectin‐4, specifically the C‐terminal carbohydrate recognition domain of human (galectin‐4C) in complex with lactose, lactose‐3′‐sulfate, 2′‐fucosyllactose, lacto‐N‐tetraose and lacto‐N‐neotetraose. These structures enable elucidation of galectin‐4C binding fine‐specificity towards sulfated and non‐sulfated lacto‐ and neolacto‐series sphingolipids as well as to human blood group antigens. Analysis of the lactose‐3′‐sulfate complex structure shows that galectin‐4C does not recognize the sulfate group using any specific amino acid, but binds the ligand nonetheless. Complex structures with lacto‐N‐tetraose and lacto‐N‐neotetraose displayed differences in binding interactions exhibited by the non‐reducing‐end galactose. That of lacto‐N‐tetraose points outward from the protein surface whereas that of lacto‐N‐neotetraose interacts directly with the protein. Recognition patterns of human galectin‐4C towards lacto‐ and neolacto‐series glycosphingolipids are similar to those of human galectin‐3; however, detailed scrutiny revealed differences stemming from the extended binding site that offer distinction in ligand profiles of these two galectins. Structural characterization of the complex with 2′‐fucosyllactose, a carbohydrate with similarity to the H antigen, and molecular dynamics studies highlight structural features that allow specific recognition of A and B antigens, whilst a lack of interaction with the 2′‐fucose of blood group antigens was revealed.Database accession codes4YLZ, 4YM0, 4YM1, 4YM2, 4YM3.
Growing a lifestyle movement? Exploring identity‐work and lifestyle politics in urban food cultivation
Authors: Dobernig Karin , Stagl Sigrid 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThis article elaborates how consumers engage with global socioecological issues on an everyday basis through adopting local lifestyles that comprise both consumption and production activities. Using urban food cultivation as an illustrative case, we highlight how devotion to co‐production can work as a counter‐hegemonic strategy of the political consumer. Building on qualitative data generated through 28 problem‐centred interviews with urban farmers and regular volunteers from a total of 12 different urban agriculture projects in New York City, the study discerns the motivational mechanisms and ascribed meanings underlying people's propensity to grow food in the city. Findings show that urban food cultivation is driven by entangled, nonprioritized motives that include personal desires as well as socioecological concerns. Moreover, urban food cultivation supports processes of reflexive identity‐formation while it allows its adherents to indulge in a shared ethos of re‐engagement with nature, meaningful work and authenticity. While not engaging in conventional protests or political processes, urban agriculture advocates are assured that by reorienting their everyday consumption practices and participating in local food cultivation, they collectively can induce social change.
Low‐income pre‐schoolers with higher temperamental surgency enjoy and respond more to food, mediating the path to higher body mass index
Authors: Leung C. Y. Y. , Miller A. L. , Kaciroti N. A. , Chen Y. P. , Rosenblum K. , Lumeng J. C. 
Published: June 2015

SummaryBackgroundTemperament is associated with obesity risk. However, the mechanisms linking temperament and eating behaviour to childhood adiposity are unclear.ObjectivesTo examine whether three temperament dimensions (surgency, effortful control and negative lability) are uniquely associated with an increased BMI z score (BMIz) concurrently and an excessive rate of change in BMIz longitudinally through four eating behaviours (food responsiveness, enjoyment of food, emotional overeating and satiety responsiveness) among low‐income pre‐schoolers, independent of home environment quality.Methods379 pre‐schoolers were recruited from Head Start in the Midwest region of the United States. Primary caregivers reported child temperament, eating behaviours and the level of chaos at home. Child BMIz was derived from weight and height measurements at ages 4, 5 and 6 years on average.ResultsPath analyses revealed that higher levels of surgency predicted more food responsiveness and enjoyment of food, which was in turn associated with higher concurrent BMIz, independent of effortful control, negative lability and home chaos.ConclusionLow‐income surgent pre‐schoolers were more likely to have elevated BMIz as they were more inclined to eat in response to external cues and have a high appetitive drive. Obesity prevention programmes might target low‐income children with surgent temperaments, and the identified eating behaviours.
Immunohistochemical investigations of the development of Scoloplos armiger (“intertidalis clade”) indicate a paedomorphic origin of Proscoloplos cygnochaetus (Annelida, Orbiniidae)
Authors: Helm Conrad , Krause Anne , Bleidorn Christoph 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThe embryology of Scoloplos armiger (“intertidalis clade”) was described in detail using light microscopy in a landmark paper by DT Anderson in 1959. To expand these investigations, we used immunohistochemical staining techniques (phalloidin, anti‐FMRFamide, anti‐serotonin, and anti‐α‐tubulin) coupled with confocal laser scanning microscopy to describe the early development of musculature and nervous system of this species. Moreover, we applied the same methods (and Azan staining) to adults of the putatively paedomorphic orbiniid species Proscoloplos cygnochaetus. Our results showed comparable patterns for stainings of the nervous and muscle system for juveniles of Scoloplos and adults of Proscoloplos. Both show scarce transverse musculature and only a few dorsoventral muscle fibers in the anterior body region. For the nervous system, the observed immunoreactive pattern is nearly superimposable for juveniles of Scoloplos armiger and adults of Proscoloplos. Moreover, the intraepidermal and basiepithelial position of the ventral nervous system only found in juvenile Scoloplos is comparable with the conditions exhibited in adults of Proscoloplos. In summary, our data are in congruence with the hypothesis of a paedomorphic origin for Proscoloplos as derived from molecular phylogenetic analyses.
Effect of Coronatine on Ethylene Release and ATPase Activity of Tomato Cell Cultures
Authors: Perner B. , Schmauder H. P. , Müller J. , Greulich F. , Bublitz F. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThe effects of the phytotoxin coronatine formed by pathovars of Pseudomonas syringae on coronatine sensitive cell cultures of Lycopersicon peruvianum and Lycopersicon esculentum were investigated. The studied parameters were ethylene release, activity of membrane‐bound ATPase and vitality using the TTC test. The cells of L. esculentum responded with an increase, the cells of L. peruvianum with a decrease of ethylene formation after application of different coronatine concentrations. These results indicate that the effect on ethylene release is not the primary effect of the toxin. The activity of membrane‐bound ATPase was not affected by coronatine.
Variability of Xanthomonas Campestris pv. vasculorum From Sugarcane and Other Gramineae in Reunion Island. Characterization of a Different Xanthomonad
Authors: Péros J. P. , Girard J. C. , Lombard H. , Janse J. D. , Berthier Y. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractStrains presumed to be of Xanthomonas campestris pv. vasculorum (Cobb.) Dye, obtained from sugarcane and other gramineae in Réunion Island, were compared in terms of cultural aspects, pathogenic and physiological reactions, fatty acid profiles and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) of genomic DNA. The strains could be divided into two separate groups (G1 and G2). The G1 strains were identical to strains described as X. campestris pv. vasculorum; they showed an important variability in their cultural characteristics and in their aggressiveness. The G2 strains did not induce the usual symptoms of gumming disease on sugarcane cultivars infected under natural conditions or inoculated in the greenhouse. The G2 strains grew faster on agar medium, their colonies were more pigmented and less fluidal and had a different morphology on agar slant. Unlike the G1 strains, G2 strains hydrolyzed starch weakly and casein strongly; they utilized L‐fucose and, to a lesser extent, melibioze. The fatty acid and genomic DNA profiles differed between the groups. Differences seemed large enough to support separation of G1 and G2 strains into distinct taxonomic entities, namely G1 as Xanthomonas campestris pv. vasculorum and G2 as a different pathovar of X. campestris. The taxonomic position of G2 strains is discussed.
The Role of Toxin(s) Produced by Germinating Spores of Pyricularia oryzae in Pathogenesis
Authors: Fujita K. , Arase S. , Hiratsuka H. , Honda Y. , Nozu M. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractPyricularia oryzae produced toxin(s) during spore germination which induced susceptibility to infection by non‐pathogenic Alternaria alternata of rice leaves. The induced susceptibility was independent of the compatibility between the races of blast fungi used for obtaining the toxin(s) and the rice cultivars used for bioassay. Susceptibility was also induced in other susceptible species (e.g. barley, Italian ryegrass, perennial ryegrass and wheat), results suggesting that the toxin(s) are host‐selective and determine the host specificity at plant species level.
Induction of Resistance or Susceptibility in Pea to Races of Pseudomonas syringae pv. pisi
Authors: Akpa A. D. , Archer S. A. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThe phenomena of induced resistance and induced susceptibility were investigated in the pea‐Pseudomonas syringae pv. pisi system, using two pea cultivars, Early Onward and Hurst Green Shaft, and races 1 and 2 of the pathogen. Preliminary treatment with heat‐killed bacteria induced resistance in peas to infection by P. s. pv. pisi; the resistance induced was dependent on the time interval between the preliminary and challenge inoculations. The mechanism of induced resistance appears to vary between the cultivars. Similarly, both races of the pathogen appear to have different resistance‐inducing efficiencies. Resistance in cvs Early Onward and Hurst Green Shaft to the compatible bacterium could not be induced by preliminary inoculation with live cells of an incompatible race. Heat‐killed cells of the races failed to induce the hypersensitive reaction in cultivars that normally show this response when challenged with live avirulent bacteria. Preliminary inoculation with live race 1 cells failed to induce susceptibility in cv. Early Onward to live race 2 cells, irrespective of the challenge inoculation interval. On cv. Hurst Green Shaft, however, preliminary inoculation with live race 2 cells induced limited susceptibility to live race 1 cells. Preliminary treatment with sterile distilled water followed by challenge of the same leaves 24 h later with a compatible race induced a moderate resistance response in both cultivars.
Are aposematic signals honest? A review
Authors: Summers K. , Speed M. P. , Blount J. D. , Stuckert A. M. M. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractWe explore the relevance of honest signalling theory to the evolution of aposematism. We begin with a general consideration of models of signal stability, with a focus on the Zahavian costly signalling framework. Next, we review early models of signalling in the context of aposematism (some that are consistent and some inconsistent with costly honest signalling). We focus on controversies surrounding the idea that aposematic signals are handicaps in a Zahavian framework. Then, we discuss how the alignment of interests between signaller and predator influences the evolution of aposematism, highlight the distinction between qualitative and quantitative honesty and review theory and research relevant to these categories. We also review recent theoretical treatments of the evolution of aposematism that have focused on honest signalling as well as empirical research on a variety of organisms, including invertebrates and frogs. Finally, we discuss future directions for empirical and theoretical research in this area.
Habitat or prey specialization in predatory ladybird beetles: a case study of two closely related species
Authors: Ferrer A. , Dixon A. F. G. , Hemptinne J.‐L. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThis study examines the niche and diet breadth of two closely related sympatric aphidophagous ladybirds: Adalia decempunctata and A. bipunctata. The degree of habitat specialization of these species is investigated, and its effect on life history traits of females is explored. The importance of prey quality in determining the diet breadth is also examined. The niches occupied by these species in three countries, the UK, Belgium and southern France, are similar: A. decempunctata is an arboreal habitat specialist with a narrower set of prey than A. bipunctata, which is commonly found on several types of vegetation. The niches of the two species overlap on trees. Experiments indicate that habitat specialization has resulted in A. decempunctata investing more in each of its offspring than A. bipunctata. A. decempunctata females lay, relative to their body size, heavier eggs than those of the more generalist A. bipunctata, which results in A. decempunctata having bigger larvae. In addition, A. decempunctata larvae are better at surviving starvation than A. bipunctata larvae. In contrast to the expected pattern in food specialization, our study failed to demonstrate a better efficiency of the specialist when fed its usual prey and a detrimental effect when fed on prey that it is unlikely to encounter in the field. The reproductive performance of the specialist ladybird was better when fed an aphid that it was unlikely to regularly feed on in the field. Therefore, the narrow diet of the specialist ladybird is most likely a consequence of it occupying a narrow habitat rather than the quality of the prey. Although further studies on specialization in predatory insects are needed, the results indicate that unlike the role of plant quality in host specialization in herbivorous insects, prey quality has not been the main determinant of ecological specialization in these predatory insects.