bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
SPATIAL HETEROGENEITY IN KNOWLEDGE, INNOVATION, AND ECONOMIC GROWTH NEXUS: CONCEPTUAL REFLECTIONS AND EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE
Authors: Capello Roberta , Lenzi Camilla 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTBy drawing on the Schumpeterian distinction between invention (i.e., new ideas and knowledge creation) and commercialization of new ideas (i.e., innovation), this paper shows that knowledge and innovation are both important drivers of economic growth, but have heterogeneous spatial impacts. In particular, the growth benefits accruing from knowledge seem rather selective and concentrated across space whereas the growth benefits generated by innovation seem more diffusive, and regions innovating in the absence of a strong local knowledge base can be as successful as more knowledge‐intensive regions in turning innovation into a higher growth rate, possibly by exploiting local informal knowledge and/or knowledge spillovers. These results are of great importance for the design of research and innovation policies within the frame of the Europe 2020 strategy.
Anti-inflammatory R-prostaglandins from Caribbean Colombian soft coral Plexaura homomalla
Authors: Reina Eduardo , Ramos Freddy A , Castellanos Leonardo , Aragón Marcela , Ospina Luis F 
Published: October 2013

Abstract

Objectives
This study aims to evaluate the effect of prostaglandins isolated from soft coral Plexaura homomalla, collected in Colombian Caribbean Sea, on in vivo and in vitro inflammation models.

Methods
Extracts from P. homomalla were fractionated and sequentially chromatographed to obtain the prostaglandins: (15R)-PGA2 (1), (15R)-PGA2-Me (2), (15R)-O-Ac-PGA2 (3), (15R)-O-Ac-PGA2-Me (4) and (15R)-PGE2 (5) in addition to three semi-synthetic prostaglandins obtained by transformations of the natural products. The anti-inflammatory properties of natural and semi-synthetic compounds were determined in vivo using 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced mouse ear oedema model and in vitro leucocyte degranulation, myeloperoxidase (MPO) and elastase enzymatic activities from human polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs). The cell viability was evaluated by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay.

Key findings
In the in vivo assay, (15R)-PGE2 (1) and (15R)-O-Ac-PGA2 (3) showed anti-inflammatory activity, as well as in vitro inhibition of elastase release from PMNs. In the PMNs degranulation assay, (15R)-PGE2 (5), was the most active compound in the inhibition of MPO release. Finally, all the tested prostaglandins showed moderate inhibition for elastase enzyme activity, whereas none of the prostaglandins exhibit significative inhibition on MPO activity.

Conclusion
(15R)-PGE2 (1) and (15R)-O-Ac-PGA2 (3) present significant inhibition on three important events related to the topical inflammatory response induced by TPA: the oedema formation, the PMNs degranulation, events that modulate MPO and elastase levels at inflammation site, and the inhibition of the enzyme activity.
The response of grassland species to nitrate versus ammonium coincides with their pH optima
Authors: Bartelheimer M. , Poschlod P. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractQuestionsDominance and occurrence of plant species change distinctly along soil reaction gradients; this has been attributed to different chemicals that can be either toxic or nutritional factors, varying with soil pH. The availability of different chemical forms of nitrogen (N) is one such factor, but the extent to which this can explain species distribution is yet unclear. We asked (1) is it possible to correlate the extent of species' physiological preference for ammonium vs nitrate to species occurrence along the soil reaction gradient; (2) how strong is the explanatory power of species occurrence along the soil reaction gradient for this preference, i.e. how much variation in species preference is explained by Ellenberg indicator values (EIV) for soil reaction; and (3) does inter‐specific competition result in any shifts of this preference?LocationDry sandy grasslands in Southern Germany, with soil reactions ranging from acidic to calcareous.MethodsWe carried out a common garden experiment and a greenhouse experiment with species from Central European sandy grasslands. In addition, we re‐analysed previously published data. Availability of ammonium and nitrate was manipulated in the presence and absence of interspecific competition, while other factors including soil pH were kept constant. Growth responses were used to calculate species preferences concerning chemical N forms.ResultsSpecies habitat niches for soil reaction, represented by their EIV, were found to strongly correlate with species preferences for certain N forms, with acidophilous species preferring ammonium and calciphilous species preferring nitrate. This was the case in all experiments and treatments without species interaction, but surprisingly not for species mixture treatments that might have involved additional soil biota with impact on N cycling.ConclusionsHigh importance must be attributed to species' physiological preferences for certain N forms, because these impact on species occurrence along soil reaction gradients. Considering the known importance of other restrictions, e.g. aluminium toxicity or iron nutrition, it is likely that these factors, together with N form preference, act in concert. Our finding that species interaction impacts on such interrelations in an unexpected manner poses a future challenge to devise multi‐factorial experiments on species occurrence along soil reaction gradients.
In Vitro and In Vivo Effects of Human Monocytes and their Subsets on New Vessel Formation
Authors: Czepluch Frauke S. , Bernhardt Markus , Kuschicke Hendrik , Gogiraju Rajinikanth , Schroeter Marco R. , Riggert Joachim , Hasenfuss Gerd , Schäfer Katrin 
Published: October 2013

AbstractObjectiveHuman monocytes can be divided into CD16− monocytes and CD16+ monocytes. Studies in mice suggested differential effects of monocyte subsets during new vessel formation.MethodsThe functional role of human monocyte subsets in neovascularization processes was investigated. For in vivo experiments, nude mice underwent unilateral hindlimb ischemia surgery before being injected with either total monocytes, CD16− monocytes or CD16+ monocytes isolated from healthy individuals.ResultsIn vitro, cytokine array analysis demonstrated that monocytes release numerous angiogenic cytokines, some of which were differentially expressed in monocyte subsets. Sprout length was enhanced in EC spheroids being cultured in conditioned medium obtained from total monocytes and, to a lesser extent, also in supernatants of CD16− monocytes. Laser Doppler perfusion imaging up to day 28 after surgery revealed a trend toward improved revascularization in mice treated with monocytes, but no significant differences between monocyte subsets. Histological analyses four weeks after surgery showed an increased arteriole size in mice having received CD16+ monocytes, whereas the number of capillaries did not significantly differ between groups.ConclusionsOur findings suggest additive and differential effects of monocyte subsets during neovascularization processes, possibly due to an altered secretion of angiogenic factors and their paracrine capacity to stimulate new vessel formation.
A tale of two machines: a review of the BLAST meeting, Tucson, AZ, 20–24 January 2013
Authors: Josenhans Christine , Jung Kirsten , Rao Christopher V. , Wolfe Alan J. 
Published: October 2013

SummarySince its inception, Bacterial Locomotion and Signal Transduction (BLAST) meetings have been the place to exchange and share the latest developments in the field of bacterial signal transduction and motility. At the 12th BLAST meeting, held last January in Tucson, AZ, researchers from all over the world met to report and discuss progress in diverse aspects of the field. The majority of these advances, however, came at the level of atomic level structures and their associated mechanisms. This was especially true of the biological machines that sense and respond to environmental changes.
Mark‐recapture modeling accounting for state uncertainty provides concurrent estimates of survival and fecundity in a protected harbor seal population
Authors: Cordes Line S. , Thompson Paul M. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractHarbor seal breeding behavior and habitats constrain opportunities for individual‐based studies, and no current estimates of both survival and fecundity exist for any of the populations studied worldwide. As a result, the drivers underlying the variable trends in abundance exhibited by harbor seal populations around the world remain uncertain. We developed an individual‐based study of harbor seals in northeast Scotland, whereby data were collected during daily photo‐identification surveys throughout the pupping seasons between 2006 and 2011. However, a consequence of observing seals remotely meant that information on sex, maturity‐stage, or breeding status was not always available. To provide unbiased estimates of survival rates we conditioned initial release of individuals on the first time sex was known to estimate sex‐specific survival rates, while a robust design multistate model accounting for uncertainty in breeding status was used to estimate reproductive rate of multiparous and ≥3‐yr‐old females. Survival rates were estimated at 0.95 (95% CI = 0.91–0.97) for females and 0.92 (0.83–0.96) for males, while reproductive rate was estimated at 0.89 (0.75–0.95) for multiparous and 0.69 (0.64–0.74) for ≥3‐yr‐old females. Stage‐based population modeling indicated that this population should be recovering, even under the current shooting quotas implemented by the recent management plan.
Using stable isotopes to understand changes in ringed seal foraging ecology as a response to a warming environment
Authors: Young Brent G. , Ferguson Steven H. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractTrends toward increased temperatures, reduced sea ice extent, and longer open water seasons have resulted in changing Arctic ecosystem dynamics. Expected changes include shifts in distribution and abundance of prey species for seabirds and marine mammals. Using stable isotope analysis, we studied spatial and interannual variation in ringed seal (Pusa hispida) feeding ecology in Hudson Bay in relation to environmental variables, between 2003 and 2010. Ringed seal muscle and hair samples collected from Arviat and Sanikiluaq, Nunavut, were analyzed for stable isotope ratios of nitrogen (δ15N) and carbon (δ13C). Seals from western Hudson Bay (Arviat) had higher δ15N and lower δ13C than seals from eastern Hudson Bay (Sanikiluaq), and stable isotope ratios varied interannually within each region. Peak δ15N occurred in years with spring air temperatures between approximately −5°C and −2°C. This temperature range was characteristic of warm years in western Hudson Bay and cool years in eastern Hudson Bay. We hypothesize that the high δ15N observed in ringed seals is indicative of greater importance of capelin (Mallotus villosus) in ringed seal diet. A comparison of ringed seal isotopic niche widths indicated greater dietary differences between western and eastern Hudson Bay with warming, suggesting a possible ecological divergence related to climate change.
Effects of decomposition and storage conditions on the δ13C and δ15N isotope values of killer whale (Orcinus orca) skin and blubber tissues
Authors: Burrows Douglas G. , Reichert William L. , Bradley Hanson M. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractSeveral different factors in the collection and preservation of whale skin and blubber samples were examined to determine their effect on the results obtained by stable nitrogen and carbon isotope (δ15N and δ13C) analysis. Samples of wet killer whale skin retained their original stable isotope values for up to 14 d at 4°C or lower. However, decomposition significantly changed the δ15N value within 3 d at 20°C. Storage at −20°C was as effective as −80°C for the preservation of skin and blubber samples for stable isotope analysis for at least a year. By contrast, once a skin sample had been freeze‐dried and lipid extracted, the stable isotope values did not change significantly when it was stored dry at room temperature for at least 12 mo. Preservation of whale skin samples for a month in DMSO‐salt solution, frozen or at room temperature, did not significantly change the δ15N and δ13C values of lipid extracted tissues, although the slight changes seen could influence results of a study if only small changes are expected.
2‐hydroxyisocaproic acid is fungicidal for Candida and Aspergillus species
Authors: Sakko M. , Moore C. , Novak‐Frazer L. , Rautemaa V. , Sorsa T. , Hietala P. , Järvinen A. , Bowyer P. , Tjäderhane L. , Rautemaa R. 
Published: October 2013

SummaryThe amino acid derivative 2‐hydroxyisocaproic acid (HICA) is a nutritional additive used to increase muscle mass. Low levels can be detected in human plasma as a result of leucine metabolism. It has broad antibacterial activity but its efficacy against pathogenic fungi is not known. The aim was to test the efficacy of HICA against Candida and Aspergillus species. Efficacy of HICA against 19 clinical and reference isolates representing five Candida and three Aspergillus species with variable azole antifungal sensitivity profiles was tested using a microdilution method. The concentrations were 18, 36 and 72 mg ml−1. Growth was determined spectrophotometrically for Candida isolates and by visual inspection for Aspergillus isolates, viability was tested by culture and impact on morphology by microscopy. HICA of 72 mg ml−1 was fungicidal against all Candida and Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus terreus isolates. Lower concentrations were fungistatic. Aspergillus flavus was not inhibited by HICA. HICA inhibited hyphal formation in susceptible Candida albicans and A. fumigatus isolates and affected cell wall integrity. In conclusion, HICA has broad antifungal activity against Candida and Aspergillus at concentrations relevant for topical therapy. As a fungicidal agent with broad‐spectrum bactericidal activity, it may be useful in the topical treatment of multispecies superficial infections.
Paracoccidioides brasiliensis infection in domestic rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)
Authors: Belitardo Donizeti Rodrigues , Calefi Atilio Sersun , Sbeghen Mônica Raquel , de Oliveira Gabriela Gonçalves , Watanabe Maria Angelica Ehara , de Camargo Zoilo Pires , Ono Mario Augusto 
Published: October 2013

SummaryThe objective of this study was to evaluate the infection of domestic rabbits by Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. Initially two rabbits were experimentally infected with P. brasiliensis and the humoral immune response was evaluated by ELISA using gp43 as antigen. The two animals showed IgG response against gp43 although no signs of disease were observed. The seroepidemiological study was carried out in 170 rabbits (free range n = 81 and caged n = 89) living in an endemic area for human paracoccidioidomycosis and a positivity of 27% was observed in the ELISA using gp43 as antigen. The free‐range rabbits showed a significantly higher positivity (34.6–51.7%) than the caged animals (11.1%). Sentinel rabbits exposed to natural infection with P. brasiliensis were followed up for 6 months and a seroconversion rate of 83.3% was observed. This is the first report of paracoccidioidomycosis in rabbits and suggests that this species can be useful sentinels for P. brasiliensis presence in the environment.
Needs and experiences of intensive care patients' families: a Saudi qualitative study
Authors: Al‐Mutair Abbas S , Plummer Virginia , Clerehan Rosemary , O'Brien Anthony 
Published: October 2013

AbstractAimTo identify the perceived needs of Saudi families of patients in Intensive Care in relation to their culture and religion.BackgroundAdmission of a family member to an intensive care unit (ICU) is a deeply distressing and often unexpected life event to the family. Families of critically ill patients have needs that should be acknowledged and met by the ICU team. Literature is virtually silent on the issue of recognizing the ICU family needs in relation to the influence of their cultural values and religious beliefs.DesignA descriptive exploratory qualitative study.MethodIndividual, semi‐structured interviews of a purposive sample of 12 family members were carried out between November 2011 and February 2012. The closest family members were recruited to participate in the interviews with a mean age of 44·25 years in eight mixed medical‐surgical ICUs of eight major trauma hospitals in Saudi Arabia.ResultsThe family needs and experiences are described via six major themes: looking for information, maintaining reassurance, spiritual healing, maintaining close proximity, involvement in care and support not being facilitated. The results indicated that family members sought to access information readily to diminish their anxiety. They also needed to be reassured that the best care was being delivered to their loved one and to feel supported during this critical time. Saudi families have cultural and spiritual healing beliefs and practices including faith in God and that God is the ultimate healer, reading of the Qur'an, prayer and charity. These lessen their stress and connect them to hold on to hope. In addition, maintaining proximity to their ill family member was considered of the greatest importance to the families.ConclusionThe study provided an in‐depth understanding of the family members' experience of having a relative in Intensive Care and focussed on a range of unmet needs, particularly those related to culture and religion. The ICU team need to work collaboratively with family members to improve their experience.Relevance to practiceThe recognition of family needs, experiences and situations can enhance the care provided by the critical care team to patients and families.
The Pseudomonas type III effector HopQ1 activates cytokinin signaling and interferes with plant innate immunity
Authors: Hann Dagmar R. , Domínguez‐Ferreras Ana , Motyka Vaclav , Dobrev Petre I. , Schornack Sebastian , Jehle Anna , Felix Georg , Chinchilla Delphine , Rathjen John P. , Boller Thomas 
Published: October 2013

Summary

We characterized the molecular function of the Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000 (Pto) effector HopQ1.

In silico studies suggest that HopQ1 might possess nucleoside hydrolase activity based on the presence of a characteristic aspartate motif. Transgenic Arabidopsis lines expressing HopQ1 or HopQ1 aspartate mutant variants were characterized with respect to flagellin triggered immunity, phenotype and changes in phytohormone content by high‐performance liquid chromatography‐MS (HPLC‐MS).

We found that HopQ1, but not its aspartate mutants, suppressed all tested immunity marker assays. Suppression of immunity was the result of a lack of the flagellin receptor FLS2, whose gene expression was abolished by HopQ1 in a promoter‐dependent manner. Furthermore, HopQ1 induced cytokinin signaling in Arabidopsis and the elevation in cytokinin signaling appears to be responsible for the attenuation of FLS2 expression.

We conclude that HopQ1 can activate cytokinin signaling and that moderate activation of cytokinin signaling leads to suppression of FLS2 accumulation and thus defense signaling.
Production Technology Estimates and Balanced Growth
Authors: León‐Ledesma Miguel A. , McAdam Peter , Willman Alpo 
Published: October 2013

AbstractCapital‐labour substitution and total factor productivity (TFP) estimates are essential features of many economic models. Such models typically embody a balanced growth path. This often leads researchers to estimate models imposing stringent prior choices on technical change. We demonstrate that estimation of the substitution elasticity and TFP growth can be substantially biased if technical progress is thereby mis‐specified. We obtain analytical and simulation results in the context of a model consistent with balanced and near‐balanced growth (i.e. departures from balanced growth but broadly stable factor shares). Given this evidence, a constant elasticity of substitution production function system is then estimated for the US economy. Results show that the estimated substitution elasticity tends to be significantly lower using a factor‐augmenting specification (well below one). We are also able to reject conventional neutrality forms in favour of general factor augmentation with a non‐negligible capital‐augmenting component. Our work thus provides insights into production and supply‐side estimation in balanced‐growth frameworks.
Body image disturbance and quality of life in Chinese patients with ankylosing spondylitis
Authors: Shen Biyu , Zhang Aixian , Liu Jingwei , Da Zhanyun , Xu Xujuan , Liu Hong , Li Liren , Gu Zhifeng 
Published: October 2013

BackgroundAnkylosing spondylitis (AS) is a painful inflammatory disease of the axial skeleton that can cause body image disturbance (BID) and may lead to psychological changes in AS patients.ObjectiveThis study investigated the effect of AS patient physical and psychological status on BID and quality of life (QOL).MethodsOverall, 112 AS patients (84 males, 28 females; mean age, 32.8 ± 10.8) and 127 healthy age‐matched individuals (control group; 78 males, 49 females; mean age, 36.9 ± 12.6) were screened for inclusion in the single‐centre study. Multiple instruments assessing physical function, psychological function, body image, and QOL were applied. Multivariate stepwise regression analyses were used to determine factors associated with BID, anxiety, and depression.ResultsOf 103 AS patients and 121 control subjects, AS patients exhibited greater BID‐associated social function, social life, and role function impairments (BID Questionnaire [BIDQ] 2.42 vs. 1.02; 2.20 vs. 1.19; 2.54 vs. 0.72, respectively), lower behavioural avoidance (BIDQ 3.07 vs. 3.49), and similar decreases in vitality and mental health (p < .01). Impaired social function predicted anxiety and depression in AS patients. Disease status (daily activity, general health, and pain) and psychological status (BID, anxiety, and depression) predicted poor QOL (p < .05).ConclusionBID may play a significant role in causing clinical psychological dysfunction in AS patients, including anxiety and depression. Further research is required to fully assess whether these observations are similar in patients with variant AS severity. BID may be useful in clinical prognostic assessment and AS management.Practitioner points

AS patients investigated in this study exhibited BID.

There were significant relationships between the BIDQ, disease and psychological variables, and QOL.

Disease status, BID, and anxiety and depression indicated a poor QOL.