bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Grazing response patterns indicate isolation of semi‐natural European grasslands
Authors: Weiss Lina , Pfestorf Hans , May Felix , Körner Katrin , Boch Steffen , Fischer Markus , Müller Jörg , Prati Daniel , Socher Stephanie A. , Jeltsch Florian 
Published: February 2014

Identifying drivers of species diversity is a major challenge in understanding and predicting the dynamics of species‐rich semi‐natural grasslands. In particular in temperate grasslands changes in land use and its consequences, i.e. increasing fragmentation, the on‐going loss of habitat and the declining importance of regional processes such as seed dispersal by livestock, are considered key drivers of the diversity loss witnessed within the last decades.It is a largely unresolved question to what degree current temperate grassland communities already reflect a decline of regional processes such as longer distance seed dispersal. Answering this question is challenging since it requires both a mechanistic approach to community dynamics and a sufficient data basis that allows identifying general patterns. Here, we present results of a local individual‐ and trait‐based community model that was initialized with plant functional types (PFTs) derived from an extensive empirical data set of species‐rich grasslands within the ‘Biodiversity Exploratories’ in Germany. Driving model processes included above‐ and belowground competition, dynamic resource allocation to shoots and roots, clonal growth, grazing, and local seed dispersal. To test for the impact of regional processes we also simulated seed input from a regional species pool. Model output, with and without regional seed input, was compared with empirical community response patterns along a grazing gradient. Simulated response patterns of changes in PFT richness, Shannon diversity, and biomass production matched observed grazing response patterns surprisingly well if only local processes were considered. Already low levels of additional regional seed input led to stronger deviations from empirical community pattern. While these findings cannot rule out that regional processes other than those considered in the modeling study potentially play a role in shaping the local grassland communities, our comparison indicates that European grasslands are largely isolated, i.e. local mechanisms explain observed community patterns to a large extent.
Fabrication of Aluminum Oxynitride (γ‐AlON) Transparent Ceramics with Modified Gelcasting
Authors: Wang Jun , Zhang Fang , Chen Feng , Zhang Hailong , Tian Run , Dong Manjiang , Liu Juan , Zhang Zhao , Zhang Jian , Wang Shiwei 
Published: February 2014

Transparent aluminum oxynitride (AlON) ceramics have been prepared through aqueous gelcasting forming technique starting from the raw materials of single phase AlON powders. The powder was specially treated for anti‐hydrolysis in ethanol before the shaping technique. The surface‐treated AlON powders could then be dispersed in an aqueous‐organic solution to prepare stable slurries containing 35 vol% solids loading. The obtained stable slurries were subsequently casted, calcined, and pressureless sintered at 1950°C for 8 h in nitrogen atmosphere. High transparent AlON ceramics with an average grain size of 112 μm and the in‐line transmittance of 81% at wavelength 1100 nm have been obtained.
Masculinities, humour and care for penile cancer: a qualitative study
Authors: Branney Peter , Witty Karl , Braybrook Debbie , Bullen Kate , White Alan , Eardley Ian 
Published: February 2014

AbstractAimTo explore how men with penile cancer construct humour in relation to their diagnosis and treatment.BackgroundFunctionalist, relief and incongruity theories attempt to account for humour, but there is a dearth of empirical evidence in nursing care. This is particularly so in relation to a condition like penile cancer where some nurses think that humour in their interactions with patients would be inappropriate.DesignThe study employed a participative, mixed‐qualitative‐methods design.MethodFocus groups and patient‐conducted interviews were both used during a one‐day ‘pilot workshop’ in March 2011. The data were initially analysed using framework analysis. This paper explores the theme of humour in depth.FindingsHumour helped participants make light of their condition, which meant that they could laugh about the consequences of treatment (‘laughing about urination’) and build rapport with health professionals (‘humour with health professionals’). Nevertheless, the use of humour was less important than the treatment of their cancer (‘humour discounted’) and there was a fear that they would be subject to ridicule because of their condition (‘fear of ridicule’).ConclusionThe findings suggest a combination of functionalist, relief and incongruity theories of humour; the emotions these men experience are contained (functionalist) and released (relief) through humorous interaction, and the potential for comedy lies in an incongruity between what is expected socially and the experiences of these men, for example, around expectations that men use urinals in public toilets. Nurses should continue to use humour to build rapport with patients, should they judge this to be appropriate, although they may want to avoid jokes about sexual and urinary functioning until after treatment.
Landscape evolution and phylogeography of Micrablepharus atticolus (Squamata, Gymnophthalmidae), an endemic lizard of the Brazilian Cerrado
Authors: Santos Marcella Gonçalves , Nogueira Cristiano , Giugliano Lilian Gimenes , Colli Guarino Rinaldi 
Published: February 2014

AbstractAimOur aims were to investigate the spatial genetic structure of Micrablepharus atticolus and to assess the relative importance of differentiation in plateaus versus depressions, in areas of historical stability versus instability, and in central versus peripheral regions.LocationThe Brazilian Cerrado.MethodsWe compared the elevational range of M. atticolus with that of its sister species, Micrablepharus maximiliani, to investigate their putative elevational segregation. We identified past (6, 21 and 130 ka) and current variables associated with the distribution of M. atticolus. Based on cytochrome b sequences, we compared genetic diversity indexes and neutrality statistics between plateau/depression, stable/unstable and core/periphery populations. We identified geographically homogeneous and maximally differentiated groups of populations and tested the association between genetic and geographical distances. Finally, we traced elevational range on the phylogeny and tested for a significant phylogenetic signal associated with elevation.ResultsWe found no elevational segregation between M. atticolus and M. maximiliani. There is high genetic diversity and structuring among populations, with the primary differentiation occurring between north‐eastern and south‐western Cerrado localities. We recognized three main groups of populations that roughly correspond to the southern, central‐northern and north‐western portions of the Cerrado, which diverged between 3.5 and 1.5 Ma. Genetic diversity indices indicated no differences between plateaus and depressions or stable and unstable areas, but samples from peripheral isolates in south‐western Amazonia exhibited low haplotype and nucleotide diversity and signs of population expansion.Main conclusionsThe diversification of M. atticolus in the Cerrado was primarily affected by events in the late Neogene. We found no support for the plateau/depression and stability/instability hypotheses, but we did find support for the core/periphery hypothesis. The spatial patterns seemingly resulted from a combination of shifting environmental conditions during climatic cycles, with repeated colonizations of plateaus and depressions, isolation by distance, and divergence in and recolonization of peripheral isolates within Amazonia.
Exclusion of Fluoroscopy Use in Catheter Ablation Procedures: Six Years of Experience at a Single Center
Authors: FERNÁNDEZ‐GÓMEZ JUAN M. , MORIÑA‐VÁZQUEZ PABLO , MORALES ELENA DEL RIO , VENEGAS‐GAMERO JOSÉ , BARBA‐PICHARDO RAFAEL , CARRANZA MANUEL HERRERA 
Published: February 2014

Exclusion of Fluoroscopy Use in Catheter Ablation ProceduresBackgroundNonfluoroscopic mapping systems have demonstrated significant reduction of radiation exposure in radiofrequency (RF) catheter ablation procedures. However, their use as only imaging guide is still limited.ObjectiveTo evaluate the usefulness of a completely nonfluoroscopic approach to catheter ablation of supraventricular arrhythmias using the Ensite‐NavX™ electroanatomical navigation system.MethodsDuring 6 years, all consecutive patients referred for RF catheter ablation of regular supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) were admitted for a “zero‐fluoroscopy” approach and studied prospectively. The only exclusion criterion was the need to perform a transseptal puncture.ResultsA total of 340 procedures were performed on 328 patients (179 men, age 55.7 ± 18.6 years). One hundred fifty‐three patients had typical atrial flutter (AFL), 146 had AV nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT), 35 had AV reciprocating tachycardia (AVRT), 4 patients had incisional atrial flutter (IAF), and 2 had focal atrial tachycardia (AT). Procedural success was achieved in 337 of the cases (99.1%). In 322 (94.7%), the procedure was completed without any fluoroscopy use. Mean procedure time was 110.5 ± 51.8 minutes. Mean RF application time was 9.8 ± 12.8 minutes and the number of RF lesions was 16.43 ± 15.8. Only 1 major complication related to vascular access was recorded. During follow‐up, there were 12 recurrences (3.5%) (8 patients from the AVNRT group, 4 patients from the AP group).ConclusionRF catheter ablation of SVT with an approach completely guided by the NavX system and without use of fluoroscopy is feasible, safe, and effective.
Coupling Interval Dispersion and Body Mass Index Are Independent Predictors of Idiopathic Premature Ventricular Complex‐Induced Cardiomyopathy
Authors: KAWAMURA MITSUHARU , BADHWAR NITISH , VEDANTHAM VASANTH , TSENG ZIAN H. , LEE BYRON K. , LEE RANDALL J. , MARCUS GREGORY M. , OLGIN JEFFREY E. , GERSTENFELD EDWARD P. , SCHEINMAN MELVIN M. 
Published: February 2014

Predictors of LV Dysfunction with Idiopathic PVCIntroductionPatients with frequent premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) might be at risk for the developing or exacerbation of left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. However, some patients with a high‐PVC burden do not develop cardiomyopathy, while other patients with low‐PVC burden can develop cardiomyopathy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the positive predictors of idiopathic PVCs‐induced cardiomyopathy.Methods and ResultsWe investigated 214 patients undergoing successful ablation of PVCs who had no other causes of cardiomyopathy. We divided the study cohort into 2 groups: ejection fraction (EF) ≥ 50% (normal LV) and EF < 50% (LV dysfunction). We analyzed the clinical characteristics, including the electrocardiogram and findings at electrophysiology study. Among these patients, 51 (24%) had reduced LVEF and 163 (76%) had normal LV function. Patients with LV dysfunction had significantly longer coupling interval (CI) dispersion (maximum‐CI–minimum‐CI) and had significantly higher PVC burden compared to those with normal LV function (CI‐dispersion: 115 ± 25 milliseconds vs. 94 ± 19 milliseconds; P < 0.001; PVC burden: 19% vs. 15%; P = 0.04). Furthermore, patients with LV dysfunction had significantly higher body mass index (BMI) compared to those with normal LV function (BMI > 30 kg/m2; 37% vs. 13%; P = 0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed that CI‐dispersion, PVC burden, and BMI (>30 kg/m2) are independent predictors of PVC‐induced cardiomyopathy.ConclusionsIn addition to the PVC burden, the CI‐dispersion and BMI are associated with PVC‐induced cardiomyopathy.
Localization microscopy: mapping cellular dynamics with single molecules
Authors: NELSON A.J. , HESS S.T. 
Published: February 2014

SummaryResolution describes the smallest details within a sample that can be recovered by a microscope lens system. For optical microscopes detecting visible light, diffraction limits the resolution to ∼200–250 nm. In contrast, localization measures the position of an isolated object using its image. Single fluorescent molecules can be localized with an uncertainty of a few tens of nanometres, and in some cases less than one nanometre. Superresolution fluorescence localization microscopy (SRFLM) images and localizes fluorescent molecules in a sample. By controlling the visibility of the fluorescent molecules with light, it is possible to cause a sparse subset of the tags to fluoresce and be spatially separated from each other. A movie is acquired with a camera, capturing images of many sets of visible fluorescent tags over a period of time. The movie is then analysed by a computer whereby all of the single molecules are independently measured, and their positions are recorded. When the coordinates of a sufficient number of molecules are collected, an image can be rendered by plotting the coordinates of the localized molecules. The spatial resolution of these rendered images can be better than 20 nm, roughly an order of magnitude better than the diffraction limited resolution. The invention of SRFLM has led to an explosion of related techniques. Through the use of specialized optics, the fluorescent signal can be split into multiple detection channels. These channels can capture additional information such as colour (emission wavelength), orientation and three‐dimensional position of the detected molecules. Measurement of the colour of the detected fluorescence can allow researchers to distinguish multiple types of fluorescent tags and to study the interaction between multiple molecules of interest. Three‐dimensional imaging and determination of molecular orientations offer insight into structural organization of the sample. SRFLM is compatible with living samples and has helped to illuminate many dynamic biological processes, such as the trajectories of molecules within living cells. This review discusses the concept and process of SRFLM imaging and investigates recent advances in SRFLM functionality. Since its announcement in 2006, SRFLM has been quickly adopted and modified by many researchers to help investigate questions whose answers lie below the diffraction limit. The versatility of the SRFLM technique has great promise for improving our understanding of cell biology at the molecular level.
Regulating Front‐of‐Package Nutrition Information Disclosures: A Test of Industry Self‐Regulation vs. Other Popular Options
Authors: KEES JEREMY , ROYNE MARLA B. , CHO YOON‐NA 
Published: February 2014

AbstractIn recent years, there has been considerable attention surrounding the topic of front‐of‐package (FOP) nutrition information disclosures. FOP nutrition disclosures are typically used to provide nutrient information that may help consumers more easily determine if a particular food is a healthy option. The current research compares four different types of FOP formats to assess consumer response. Results from two studies suggest that all FOP disclosure formats tested produce significantly more positive consumer responses than packages without any FOP nutrition information at all. Study 1 finds that levels of consumer nutrition knowledge moderate the FOP‐ease of use relationship, while Study 2 reveals that an educational prime also moderates this same relationship. Additional exploratory thought analysis indicates that packages with FOP disclosures generally produce more nutrition‐related thoughts than packages without any FOP nutrition information. Our results offer implications for both industry and government regulation, and generate several fruitful areas for future research.
Dynamic Risk Management: Investment, Capital Structure, and Hedging in the Presence of Financial Frictions
Authors: Amaya Diego , Gauthier Geneviève , Léautier Thomas‐Olivier 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThis article develops a dynamic risk management model to determine a firm's optimal risk management strategy. This strategy has two elements. First, for low‐leverage values, the firm fully hedges its operating cash flow exposure, due to the convexity of its cost of capital. When leverage exceeds a very high threshold, the firm gambles for resurrection and stops hedging. Second, the firm manages its capital structure through dividend distributions and investment. When leverage is low, the firm replaces depreciated assets, fully invests in opportunities if they arise, and distribute dividends, all of these together to achieve its optimal capital structure. As leverage increases, the firm stops paying dividends, while fully investing. After a certain leverage, the firm also reduces investment until it stops investing completely. The model predictions are consistent with empirical observations.
Chemopreventive and hepatoprotective effects of Epigallocatechin-gallate against hepatocellular carcinoma: role of heparan sulfate proteoglycans pathway
Authors: Darweish Mohamed M , Abbas Ahmed , Ebrahim Mohamed A , Al-Gayyar Mohammed M H 
Published: February 2014

Abstract

Objective
Epigallocatechin-gallate (EGCG) claims a plethora of health benefits including protection against neoplastic diseases. Meanwhile, heparan-sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) have defensive role against tumour cell invasion. Therefore, the chemopreventive and hepatoprotective effects of EGCG were studied in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in vivo and in vitro and compared with strong water soluble antioxidant, sodium ascorbate.

Methods
HCC was induced in SD rats by thioacetamide (200 mg/Kg). Some rats were treated with EGCG (20 mg/Kg) or sodium ascorbate (100 mg/Kg). Liver impairment was assessed by measuring serum α-fetoprotein and investigating liver sections stained with H/E. Hepatic HSPGs, syndecan-1 and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) were measured by ELISA. Gene expression of fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-2 was measured. Cell death was assessed by caspase-3 activity. In addition, all markers were measured in human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line (HepG2).

Key findings
EGCG increased the animal survival and decreased both α-fetoprotein and HepG2 viability. In addition, EGCG ameliorated fibrosis and massive hepatic tissue breakdown. EGCG restored HSPGs and reduced expression of MMP-9, syndecan-1 and FGF-2 in-vivo and in-vitro. Sodium ascorbate showed significantly lower results than EGCG.

Conclusions
Besides antioxidant activity, other mechanisms are involved in the chemopreventive and hepatoprotective effects of EGCG including restoration of HSPGs receptors and inhibition of vascular invasion.
Efficacy of Vaginally Applied Estrogen, Testosterone, or Polyacrylic Acid on Sexual Function in Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Fernandes Tatiane , Costa-Paiva Lucia Helena , Pinto-Neto Aarão Mendes 
Published: February 2014

Abstract

Introduction
Female libido is multifactorial and complex. Declining estrogen levels in postmenopausal women affects vaginal function.

Aim
The aim of this study was to evaluate female sexual function after using topical estrogen, testosterone, or polyacrylic acid as vaginal lubricants with K-Y jelly as a placebo lubricant.

Methods
This was a randomized controlled clinical trial on 80 postmenopausal women between 40 and 70 years of age with follow-up at the Menopause Clinic of the CAISM Unicamp. The women were randomized to treatment with topical vaginal estrogen, testosterone, polyacrylic acid, or oil lubricant alone, three times a week for a period of 12 weeks from November 2011 to January 2013.

Main Outcome Measure
We used the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) to assess changes in sexual response at baseline, and after 6 and 12 weeks.

Results
After 12 weeks of treatment, polyacrylic acid and topical testosterone produced improvements in the FSFI domains of sexual desire, lubrication, satisfaction, reduced pain during intercourse, and total score compared with lubricant alone. Treatment with topical estrogen in comparison with lubricant alone showed an improvement in the FSFI field of desire. The intragroup analysis over the time of the treatment showed improvements in the fields of desire, lubrication, and reduced pain for polyacrylic acid, testosterone, and estrogen. Furthermore, women who used testosterone showed improvements over time in the fields of arousal, orgasm, and satisfaction.

Conclusions
Treatment of postmenopausal women with symptoms of vaginal atrophy with polyacrylic acid, testosterone, and estrogen for 12 weeks produced improvements in self-reported female sexual function when compared with a placebo lubricant.
Empirical Investigations of the Role of Implicit Prosody in Sentence Processing
Authors: Breen Mara 
Published: February 2014

AbstractRecently, psycholinguistics has seen an increase in the number of empirical studies investigating the role of implicit (silent) prosodic representations in reading. The current paper reviews studies from the last several years conducted to investigate Fodor's (2002) Implicit Prosody Hypothesis, which maintains that even during silent reading, readers generate representations of sentence intonation, phrasing, stress, and rhythm, and that these representations can affect readers' interpretation of the text. We argue that the accumulated evidence suggests that implicit prosody can influence online sentence interpretation and explore the implications of these findings for models of sentence processing.
Optimality Theory and Spanish Phonology
Authors: Bradley Travis G. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThis article surveys research in Spanish phonology from the perspective of Optimality Theory, a formal linguistic framework based on ranked and violable constraints. Theoretical insights from OT enrich our understanding of Spanish phonology, and Spanish data also figure prominently in the latest theoretical developments within OT. The article concludes with areas for ongoing research and suggestions for further reading on OT in Spanish phonology.
Evolutionary renovation ofL/Mopsin polymorphism confers a fruit discrimination advantage to atelineNewWorld monkeys
Authors: Matsumoto Yoshifumi , Hiramatsu Chihiro , Matsushita Yuka , Ozawa Norihiro , Ashino Ryuichi , Nakata Makiko , Kasagi Satoshi , Di Fiore Anthony , Schaffner Colleen M. , Aureli Filippo , Melin Amanda D. , Kawamura Shoji 
Published: February 2014

AbstractNew World monkeys exhibit prominent colour vision variation due to allelic polymorphism of the long‐to‐middle wavelength (L/M) opsin gene. The known spectral variation of L/M opsins in primates is broadly determined by amino acid composition at three sites: 180, 277 and 285 (the ‘three‐sites’ rule). However, two L/M opsin alleles found in the black‐handed spider monkeys (Ateles geoffroyi) are known exceptions, presumably due to novel mutations. The spectral separation of the two L/M photopigments is 1.5 times greater than expected based on the ‘three‐sites’ rule. Yet the consequence of this for the visual ecology of the species is unknown, as is the evolutionary mechanism by which spectral shift was achieved. In this study, we first examine L/M opsins of two other Atelinae species, the long‐haired spider monkeys (A. belzebuth) and the common woolly monkeys (Lagothrix lagotricha). By a series of site‐directed mutagenesis, we show that a mutation Y213D (tyrosine to aspartic acid at site 213) in the ancestral opsin of the two alleles enabled N294K, which occurred in one allele of the ateline ancestor and increased the spectral separation between the two alleles. Second, by modelling the chromaticity of dietary fruits and background leaves in a natural habitat of spider monkeys, we demonstrate that chromatic discrimination of fruit from leaves is significantly enhanced by these mutations. This evolutionary renovation of L/M opsin polymorphism in atelines illustrates a previously unappreciated dynamism of opsin genes in shaping primate colour vision.