bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Root contraction in Cycas and Zamia (Cycadales) determined by gelatinous fibers
Authors: Tomlinson P. Barry , Magellan Tracy M. , Griffith M. Patrick 
Published: July 2014

• Premise of the study: Reaction wood (RW) in seed plants can induce late and usually secondary changes in organ orientation. Conifers produce compression wood (CW), generated by compression tracheids, which generate a push force. Angiosperms produce tension wood (TW), generated by tension wood fibers (TWF) often described as “gelatinous fibers,” which exert a pull force. Usually RW is produced eccentrically, but it can occur concentrically, as in aerial roots of Ficus. However, gymnosperms can produce gelatinous fibers (tension fibers, TF), as in cortical and secondary phloem tissues (Gnetum). TFs are therefore limited neither to wood, xylem, nor angiosperms. Here we demonstrate that TFs in secondary phloem are involved in contraction of roots of cycads and compare them with TFs of Ficus.• Methods: We sectioned root material of cycads at various stages of seedling development using simple staining and histochemical procedures to follow the course of secondary phloem development. Aerial roots of Ficus were compared with the cycad root material.• Key results: Tension fibers (gelatinous fibers) occur extensively and continuously in the secondary phloem in roots that undergo contraction. Older tissues, but notably the xylem, become distorted by contraction. TFs in cycads correspond in cell wall features to TFs that occur in Ficus, but do not occur in secondary xylem. The individual fibers visibly contract.• Conclusions: Tissue contraction in Cycas and Zamia corresponds to that found in angiosperms and Gnetum and further broadens the scope of the activity of tension tissues. This finding possibly indicates that gelatinous fibers originated at a very early period of seed plant evolution.
Structure and Reproductive Patterns in the Summertime Forest-Bat Community of Southeastern Texas
Authors: Debelica-Lee Anica , Wilkins Kenneth T. 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
Forests of eastern Texas represent the westernmost extent of the southern pine forests and part of the pine belt of the forested Gulf coastal plain. Bat community assemblages in similar forests throughout southeastern United States have been documented in various studies, but only scant data are available for Texas. The purpose of this study was to characterize the assemblage and investigate reproductive patterns of the summer bat community in the austroriparian forest of eastern Texas. Using mist nets, we captured bats during summers 2009–2011 and recorded species, gender, age and reproductive condition. We captured 382 bats of eight species: Seminole Lasiurus seminolus (n  =  163), evening Nycticeius humeralis (n  =  86), big brown Eptesicus fuscus (n  =  57), eastern red Lasiurus borealis (n  =  31), southeastern myotis Myotis austroriparius (n  =  21), tri-colored Perimyotis subflavus (n  =  19), Mexican free-tailed Tadarida brasiliensis (n  =  4), and hoary Lasiurus cinereus (n  =  1) bats. Analysis of reproductive data suggests that three of these species (big brown, evening, and Seminole bats) may be following a reproductive strategy—extended seasonal monoestry (births of single litters spanning a particular season)—different than their previously reported pattern of synchronous monoestry.
Simulation of B Cell Affinity Maturation Explains Enhanced Antibody Cross-Reactivity Induced by the Polyvalent Malaria Vaccine AMA1
Authors: Chaudhury Sidhartha , Reifman Jaques , Wallqvist Anders 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
Polyvalent vaccines use a mixture of Ags representing distinct pathogen strains to induce an immune response that is cross-reactive and protective. However, such approaches often have mixed results, and it is unclear how polyvalency alters the fine specificity of the Ab response and what those consequences might be for protection. In this article, we present a coarse-grain theoretical model of B cell affinity maturation during monovalent and polyvalent vaccinations that predicts the fine specificity and cross-reactivity of the Ab response. We stochastically simulate affinity maturation using a population dynamics approach in which the host B cell repertoire is represented explicitly, and individual B cell subpopulations undergo rounds of stimulation, mutation, and differentiation. Ags contain multiple epitopes and are present in subpopulations of distinct pathogen strains, each with varying degrees of cross-reactivity at the epitope level. This epitope- and strain-specific model of affinity maturation enables us to study the composition of the polyclonal response in granular detail and identify the mechanisms driving serum specificity and cross-reactivity. We applied this approach to predict the Ab response to a polyvalent vaccine based on the highly polymorphic malaria Ag apical membrane antigen-1. Our simulations show how polyvalent apical membrane Ag-1 vaccination alters the selection pressure during affinity maturation to favor cross-reactive B cells to both conserved and strain-specific epitopes and demonstrate how a polyvalent vaccine with a small number of strains and only moderate allelic coverage may be broadly neutralizing. Our findings suggest that altered fine specificity and enhanced cross-reactivity may be a universal feature of polyvalent vaccines.
A novel rejuvenation program for cancer patients at Kaivalyadhama, India
Authors: Majewski Lee , Bhavanani Ananda Balayogi 
Published: July 2014

Background:
The modern intensive treatment for cancer leaves the patients physically and mentally exhausted by the end of it. There is great potential for Yoga, the original mind-body medicine, in such a situation as it conjointly emphasizes body, mind, and spirit, which may be particularly useful for enhancing patients' social and spiritual well-being. Some studies have reported the effectiveness of Yoga, meditation, and mindfulness as a rehabilitative and palliative therapy in various types of cancer.

Objectives:
With the above background in mind, we created a 3-week residential program for cancer patients to empower them in their journey, "back to health." The curriculum was geared specifically for those who had undergone chemotherapy and/or radiation.

Methods:
The program utilized the sister life sciences of Yoga and Ayurveda with a healthy dose of self-education to assist patients in their recovery from the devastation of cancer and its modern treatment. The modes of reintegration used in this program were designed to specifically address the physical, mental, and psychic (spiritual) needs of the participants. The curriculum included various asanas, kriyas, pranayama, mudras, and bandha, as well as chanting. Ayurvedic treatment based on panchkarma science was designed and applied according to each patient's disposition. An educational component was included to inform patients of potential carcinogenic factors in their life and to change their mindset and attitudes from victimhood to self-empowerment. In order to scientifically validate the program, physiological, biochemical, psychological, and Ayurvedic assessment of tridoshas was carried out.

Conclusion:
Our special Cancer Rehabilitation Yoga program is expected to have several beneficial effects for those recovering from the aftermath of anti-cancer therapies even at 3-month follow-up. Subjective observations so far reveal that the program led to overall empowerment of the participants.
Personality correlates of mindfulness
Authors: Menon Praseeda , Doddoli Suchitra , Singh Sukriti , Bhogal Ranjit S. 
Published: July 2014

Background:
Mindfulness has received consistent attention from researchers in the last few decades due to its positive effects on physical and mental health, psychological well-being, as well as several therapeutic outcomes. In an attempt to discern its dispositional source, researchers have also looked at its relation with personality traits.

Aims:
The current study aims to carry the above effort ahead by looking at the relation of mindfulness to the big-five personality traits in the Indian context in an exploratory way to give some amount of cross-cultural validity to established relations in the Western context.

Methods:
The current study adopted the method of correlational research to fulfill the above aim.

Results:
Results of the current investigation on 60 plus Yoga students supported earlier meta-analysis by revealing highly significant moderate correlations, negative of -0.45 with neuroticism and positive of 0.49 with conscientiousness after controlling for demographics. Mindfulness also showed a positive relation to extraversion (r = 0.29), to a lesser extent though. The study, very surprisingly, showed no gender difference in neuroticism in the current sample of Yoga students, thereby creating a deviation to a widely present gender difference.

Conclusions:
The current paper discusses the above results in detail, and draws the personality mini-profile of a mindful individual to be that of one who is emotionally stable and/or well-disciplined in his/her approach toward life although, studies with larger, representative and cross-cultural samples are needed to further validate this claim.
JOGOS VIRTUAIS E EDUCAÇÃO NAS ESCOLAS
Authors: SCHERER Suely , Da SILVA MIRANDA Claudia Steffany 
Published: July 2014

O estudo apresentado neste artigo tem por objetivo propor reflexões sobre o uso de jogos virtuais nas escolas, com foco na (re)construção de conceitos de diferentes áreas. O jogo virtual pode ser considerado um importante recurso de aprendizagem na escola, pois possibilita que o aluno vivencie desafios e tenha feedbacks a cada tomada de decisão no jogo. No entanto, discute-se que para que o jogo virtual seja um recurso de aprendizagem na escola, o seu uso deve ser planejado pelo professor para que os alunos aprendam algum conceito ou procedimento, a partir da mediação do professor ao longo do processo. Também é necessário propor ações na escola para discutir as mensagens e contramensagens presentes no contexto do jogo.
Interactive Media Art: the Institution Tells a Story. The Center for Art and Media Karlsruhe
Authors: Alves Sónia 
Published: July 2014

Abstract: Interactive Media Art has been scrutinized under several approaches. It is though hard to achieve consensually a clear definition or conceptualization of this term. What I propose here is to follow a case study of an institution, the Center for Art and Media Karlsruhe, whose contributions for the development of this art form are unique and represent a continuous and profound achievement to the art world. At the same time this research calls the attention for another way to look at the developments of Interactive Media Art by considering the institutional investment in the production of art. Simultaneously I will show that there is a pragmatical, educational and pedagogical line of research in the history of Interactive Media Art that has not received much attention until now.
Detailed seismic attenuation structure beneath Hokkaido, northeastern Japan: Arc‐arc collision process, arc magmatism, and seismotectonics
Authors: Kita Saeko , Nakajima Junichi , Hasegawa Akira , Okada Tomomi , Katsumata Kei , Asano Youichi , Kimura Takeshi 
Published: July 2014

AbstractIn this study, we imaged a detailed seismic attenuation structure (frequency‐independent Q−1) beneath Hokkaido, Japan, by merging waveform data from a dense permanent seismic network with those from a very dense temporary network. Corner frequency of each event used for t* estimation was determined by the S coda wave spectral ratio method. The seismic attenuation (Qp−1) structure is clearly imaged at depths down to about 120 km. For the fore‐arc side of Hokkaido, high‐Qp zones are imaged at depths of 10 to 80 km in the crust and mantle wedge above the Pacific slab. Low‐Qp zones are clearly imaged in the mantle wedge beneath the back‐arc areas of eastern and southern Hokkaido. These low‐Qp zones, extending from deeper regions, extend to the Moho beneath volcanoes, the locations of which are consistent with those of seismic low‐velocity regions. These results suggest that the mantle wedge upwelling flow occurs beneath Hokkaido, except in the area where there is a gap in the volcano chain. In contrast, an inhomogeneous seismic attenuation structure is clearly imaged beneath the Hokkaido corner. A broad low‐Qp zone is located at depths of 0–60 km to the west of the Hidaka main thrust. The location almost corresponds to that of the seismic low‐velocity zone in the collision zone. The fault planes of the 1970 M6.7 and 1982 M7.1 earthquakes are located at the edges of this broad low‐Qp zone. Observations in this study indicate that our findings contribute to understanding the detailed arc‐arc collision process, magmatism, and seismotectonics beneath Hokkaido.
Poly(styrene‐co‐maleic anhydride) ionomers as nucleating agent on the crystallization behavior of poly(ethylene terephthalate)
Authors: Xing Shili , Tang Ping , Yang Yuliang 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACTPoly(styrene‐co‐maleic anhydride) (SMA) ionomers were synthesized and designed as a new kind of nucleation agent according to the crystallization theory for improving the crystallization of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET). The crystallization behavior of PET with the addition of nucleation agents was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry, polarized‐light microscope, and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). Avrami equation and Hoffman–Lauritzen theory are adopted for analyzing isothermal and non‐isothermal crystallization kinetics, respectively. The results show that the addition of 1 wt % SMA ionomers effectively accelerates the crystallization rate and reduces the fold surface free energy of PET at high temperature regions. PLM results also indicated that the crystals impinge on each other, thus decreasing the spherulite size for PET/SMA ionomers samples compared with PET. XRD measurement revealed that the introduction of SMA ionomers does not change the crystal structure but indeed accelerates the crystallinity of PET. The results clearly demonstrate that our synthesized SMA ionomers are an efficient nucleating agent for PET. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41240.
High‐temperature resistant superabsorbent based on poly(acrylic acid) with triallylammonium chloride as crosslinking agent
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyun , Wang Xiangpeng , Zhang Sisi , Wu Wei 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACTA novel high‐temperature resistant superabsorbent was prepared by solution polymerization of partially neutralized acrylic acid (AA), using triallylammonium chloride as crosslinker, potassium persulfate as initiator. The factors that influence the water‐absorbing capacity at 25 and 200°C such as mass concentration of monomer, mass ratio of crosslinker to AA, mass ratio of initiator to AA, and neutralization degree were investigated. The structure of the superabsorbent was characterized by Fourier transform infrared, thermogravimetric analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. The optimum conditions were obtained and the swelling ratios in distilled water and 1 wt % of NaCl solution could reach 841 and 74 g/g at 300°C, respectively. The superabsorbent also showed high swelling rate and good salt resistance. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41243.
Electrochemically Controlled Growth of AuPt Alloy Nanowires and Nanodendrites
Authors: Yi Xiaojun , Yu Gang , Chang Fangfang , Xie Zhi Hui , Tran Tan Nhat , Hu Bo Nian , Zhong Chuan‐Jian 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThe ability to control the morphology and phase structure of alloy nanowires is essential for the exploitation of their unique functional properties. This report describes the findings of an investigation of the growth mechanism in the electrochemically controlled growth of AuPt alloy nanostructures. By using a template‐free alternating‐current deposition method with different combinations of waveform, voltage, and frequency, controllability over the alloy morphology, composition, and phase structure has been clearly demonstrated for the growth of the nanostructures across the gap of two microelectrodes. The growth is proposed to involve an initial facet‐selective nucleation–growth process followed by two competing nucleation–growth pathways that are highly tunable by the applied frequency and voltage. The findings provided new insights into the mechanism that underlies the controlled fabrication of alloy nanowires and nanodendrites with structurally tailorable functional properties.
Sublethal effects of the beta-blocker sotalol at environmentally relevant concentrations on the New Zealand mudsnail Potamopyrgus antipodarum
Authors: Feiner Mona , Laforsch Christian , Letzel Thomas , Geist Juergen 
Published: July 2014

Abstract

Monitoring sublethal effects of pharmaceuticals on nontarget species in aquatic environments has become an important topic in ecotoxicology, yet few studies have been conducted concerning the effects of beta-blockers on aquatic organisms. The present study investigated the effects of the beta-blocker sotalol (SOT) at 3 environmentally relevant concentrations on life-history traits of the New Zealand mudsnail Potamopyrgus antipodarum. Based on the pharmacodynamic properties of SOT, the authors hypothesized reduced numbers of embryos in the brood pouches, decelerated growth of adult snails, and smaller size of neonates, but no effect on mortality rates of adults. Contrary to the hypothesis, the total number of embryos was significantly higher after 56 d of exposure at nominal concentrations of 0.05 µg/L and 1.0 µg/L by 107% and 73%, respectively. No differences in embryo numbers were observed at earlier time-points. Therefore, the mode of action seems to be an extension of the reproductive period rather than an increase of the embryo production. Furthermore, our results indicate a hormetic dose–response relationship, because no effects were observed at the highest test-concentration (6.5 µg/L). Mortality, growth of adult snails, and neonate sizes were not affected by the beta-blocker. Given the strong influence on reproduction, the effects of sublethal concentrations of SOT and other beta-blockers deserve better consideration in ecotoxicological risk assessment. Environ Toxicol Chem 2014;33:2510–2515. © 2014 SETAC
Life history responses of Daphnia similoides simultaneously exposed to microcystin-LR and ammonia and their postexposure recovery
Authors: Cao Huansheng , Lyu Kai , Xiang Fuhui , Yang Zhou 
Published: July 2014

Abstract

Aquatic organisms often suffer episodic stress from cyanobacterial bloom–derived concomitants and sometimes interactive stressors, and they may recover when stressors terminate. To assess whether exposed Daphnia can quickly recover from combined toxicity of bloom-derived stressors, Daphnia similoides were exposed to mixtures of ammonia (0 mg L−1, 0.37 mg L−1, and 0.58 mg L−1) and dissolved microcystin-LR (0 µg L−1, 10 µg L−1, 30 µg L−1, and 100 µg L−1) in a full factorial design for 14 d and subsequently allowed to recover for 7 d. During the exposure, the mixtures of ammonia and microcystin-LR showed different effects on the selected variables. Ammonia delayed the time to maturation, but microcystin-LR was not negative to the development of the tested daphnids. Furthermore, microcystin-LR reduced the prolonged developmental time to first eggs and first clutch caused by high ammonia. The total reproduction of D. similoides was dramatically reduced by 64% to 79% by both toxicants and their combinations, but there were no interactive effects. After the recovery period, organisms under most treatments did not recover completely from the combined stress but showed positive signs of recovery, based on the size of the last clutch and the mean number of clutches during recovery; thus the affected D. similoides have the potential to quickly recover from the combined toxic stressors. Environ Toxicol Chem 2014;33:2497–2505. © 2014 SETAC
Loss of Runx2 in Committed Osteoblasts Impairs Postnatal Skeletogenesis
Authors: Adhami Mitra D , Rashid Harunur , Chen Haiyan , Clarke John C , Yang Yang , Javed Amjad 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACT

The Runx2 transcription factor is critical for commitment to the osteoblast lineage. However, its role in committed osteoblasts and its functions during postnatal skeletogenesis remain unclear. We established a Runx2-floxed line with insertion of loxP sites around exon 8 of the Runx2 gene. The Runx2 protein lacking the region encoded by exon 8 is imported into the nucleus and binds target DNA but exhibits diminished transcriptional activity. We specifically deleted the Runx2 gene in committed osteoblasts using 2.3-kb col1a-Cre transgenic mice. Surprisingly, the homozygous Runx2 mutant mice were born alive. The Runx2 heterozygous and homozygous null were grossly indistinguishable from wild-type littermates at birth. Runx2 deficiency did not alter proliferative capacity of osteoblasts during embryonic development (E18). Chondrocyte differentiation and cartilage growth in mutants was similar to wild-type mice from birth to 3 months of age. Analysis of the embryonic skeleton revealed poor calcification in homozygous mutants, which was more evident in bones formed by intramembranous ossification. Runx2 mutants showed progressive retardation in postnatal growth and exhibited significantly low bone mass by 1 month of age. Decreased bone formation was associated with decreased gene expression of osteoblast markers and impaired collagen assembly in the extracellular matrix. Consequently, Runx2 mutant bones exhibited decreased stiffness and structural integrity. By 3 months of age, bone acquisition in mutant mice was roughly half that of wild-type littermates. In addition to impaired osteoblast function, mutant mice showed markedly decreased osteoclast number and postnatal bone resorption. Taken together, functional deficiency of Runx2 in osteoblasts does not result in failed embryonic skeletogenesis but disrupts postnatal bone formation. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Highly Sensitive Dual‐Mode Fluorescence Detection of Lead Ion in Water Using Aggregation‐Induced Emissive Polymers
Authors: Saha Sukanta Kumar , Ghosh Khama Rani , Gao Jian Ping , Wang Zhi Yuan 
Published: July 2014

A series of fluorene‐based conjugated polymers containing the aggregation‐induced emissive (AIE)‐active tetraphenylethene and dicarboxylate pseudocrown as a receptor exhibits a unique dual‐mode sensing ability for selective detection of lead ion in water. Fluorescence turn‐off and turn‐on detections are realized in 80%–90% and 20% water in tetrahydrofuran (THF), respectively, for lead ion with a concentration as low as 10−8
m.
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