bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Do we need soil moisture measurements in the vegetation–environment studies in wetlands?
Authors: Hájek Michal , Hájková Petra , Kočí Martin , Jiroušek Martin , Mikulášková Eva , Kintrová Kateřina 
Published: June 2012

AbstractQuestionsWater level parameters are normally used as explanatory variables in ecological studies, but soil moisture may be more causally connected with species composition. Can measurements of volumetric soil moisture in vertical profiles using electromagnetic sensors improve vegetation–environment analyses in fens and bogs? Are there inter‐habitat differences in water level–moisture relationships that could explain different sensitivities of particular vegetation types to water level changes?LocationCalcareous fens, poor fen grasslands, poor fens and ombrotrophic bogs in the Czech Republic.MethodsMonitoring of soil moisture (Profile Probe PR2), water level, pH and electrical conductivity of the water; measurements of soil pH and organic carbon; vascular plant and bryophyte data sampling; Pearson's correlations; ANOVA with post‐hoc tests; PCA of environmental factors; CCA and partial CCA that controlled for the effects of pH, conductivity, and year and region of sampling; Monte Carlo permutation tests.ResultsThe median volumetric soil moisture correlated with the log‐transformed organic carbon concentration. This correlation was particularly strong when all vegetation types were merged or when poor fens and poor fen grasslands were analysed separately. The latter vegetation types further displayed the strongest correlations between water level and uppermost soil moisture. Calcareous fens had the highest water level and the lowest correlation between water level and soil moisture. In bog profiles the moisture continuously increased downwards and its variability over time correlated with water level fluctuation less strongly than in the case of
Sphagnum fens. The median water level explained most variation in species data in all cases, except for separately analysed poor fen grasslands, whose variation was best explained by soil organic carbon. Moisture characteristics became insignificant whenever water level was included into the forward selection model.ConclusionsIn fens and bogs, water level still describes hydrological conditions better than directly measured moisture, and serves as a useful proxy of complex environmental conditions related to the hydrological regime, especially in
Sphagnum fens with a shallow peat layer. Our results validate existing knowledge of species–environment relationships based on water table measurements.
Causes for the unimodal pattern of biomass and productivity in alpine grasslands along a large altitudinal gradient in semi‐arid regions
Authors: Wang Zhong , Luo Tianxiang , Li Ruicheng , Tang Yanhong , Du Mingyuan 
Published: June 2012

AbstractQuestionsHow can we understand the limitations to plant growth at high altitudes? Our aim was to test the hypotheses that for alpine grasslands along a large altitudinal gradient in semi‐arid regions, plant growth is mainly limited by drought at low altitudes but by low temperature at high altitudes, resulting in a unimodal pattern of biomass and productivity associated with an optimal combination of temperature and precipitation. Such knowledge is important to understanding the response of alpine ecosystems to climate change.LocationWe conducted a 5‐yr livestock exclosure experiment along the south‐facing slope of the Nyaiqentanglha Mountains, central Tibetan Plateau.MethodsWe measured above‐ and below‐ground biomass, species richness, leaf δ13C and water potential, and related climate and soil variables across 42 fenced and unfenced quadrats near seven HOBO weather stations along the slope. The vegetation changed from alpine steppe‐meadow at 4390–4500 m to alpine meadow at 4600–5210 m.ResultsTotal above‐ and below‐ground biomass across fenced and unfenced quadrats increased with increasing altitude up to 4950–5100 m, and then decreased above 5100 m. Altitudinal trends in leaf δ13C and water potential of dominant species also showed a unimodal pattern corresponding to that of vegetation biomass. Total above‐ and below‐ground biomass as well as sedge above‐ground biomass all showed a quadratic relationship with mean temperatures and the ratio of growing season precipitation (GSP) to ≥5 °C accumulated temperature (AccT; R2 = 0.83−0.88, P < 0.001). In general, above‐ and below‐ground biomass increased with increasing water availability when the GSP/AccT ratio was lower than the threshold level of 0.80–0.84, but decreased when the GSP/AccT ratio was higher than this threshold level. No significant relationship was found between residuals of above‐ground biomass and species richness after removing the effects of climate factors on both stand variables.ConclusionsThe results support our hypotheses, further suggesting a threshold of water limitation that is consistent with the model prediction over the Tibetan Plateau. Species richness per se appears to weakly affect community‐level productivity. The response of alpine grasslands to climate warming may vary with altitude because of altitudinal shifts in factors limiting plant growth.
Human skeletal muscle feed arteries: evidence of regulatory potential
Authors: Ives S. J. , Andtbacka R. H. I. , Park S.‐Y. , Donato A. J. , Gifford J. R. , Noyes R. D. , Lesniewski L. A. , Richardson R. S. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractAimRecently, it has been recognized that human skeletal muscle feed arteries can be harvested during exploratory surgery for melanoma. This approach provides vessels for in vitro study from a wide spectrum of relatively healthy humans. Although, the regulatory role of skeletal muscle feed arteries in rodent models has been documented, whether such vessels in humans possess this functionality is unknown.MethodsTherefore, skeletal muscle feed arteries (~950 μm OD) from 10 humans (48 ± 4, 27–64 years) were studied using pressure myography. Vessel function was assessed using potassium chloride (KCl), phenylephrine (PE), acetylcholine (ACh) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) concentration–response curves (CRCs) to characterize non‐receptor and receptor‐mediated vasoconstriction as well as endothelium‐dependent and independent vasodilation respectively. To understand the physiological relevance of the diameter changes as a result of pharmacological stimulation, the estimated conductance ratio (CR) was calculated.ResultsVessel function protocols revealed significant vasoconstriction in response to PE and KCl (35 ± 6; 43 ± 9%vasoconstriction, respectively) and significant vasodilation with ACh and SNP (85 ± 7; 121 ± 17% vasodilation, respectively). Both PE and KCl significantly reduced the CR (0.26 ± 0.05 and 0.23 ± 0.07, respectively), whereas ACh and SNP increased the CR (2.56 ± 0.10 and 5.32 ± 1.3, respectively).ConclusionThese novel findings provide evidence that human skeletal muscle feed arteries are capable of generating significant diameter changes that would translate into significant changes in vascular conductance. Thus, human skeletal muscle feed arteries likely play a significant role in regulating vascular conductance and subsequently blood flow in vivo.
Ultraviolet Spectral Reflectance of Ceiling Tiles, and Implications for the Safe Use of Upper‐Room Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation
Authors: Wengraitis Stephen , Reed Nicholas G. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractUltraviolet germicidal irradiation can be used to prevent airborne transmission of infectious diseases. A common application is to irradiate upper‐room areas, by passing air from the lower room into the irradiated zone. Well‐designed systems do not expose people directly; however, some UV radiation may be reflected off ceiling tiles and wall paints into the lower room. Lower room exposure should be limited to the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists threshold limit value of 6 mJ·cm−2 of 254 nm radiation per day. To limit the lower room exposure, the reflectance of upper‐room surfaces must not be high. The reflective properties of wall paints have been studied, but less is known about the UV reflectance of ceiling tiles. Using a double monochromator spectroradiometer and an integrating sphere reflectance attachment, the UV spectral reflectance of 37 ceiling tiles was measured from 200 to 400 nm. The reflectances varied from 0.020 to 0.822 in this range, and from 0.035 to 0.459 at 254 nm, the main wavelength emitted by upper room low‐pressure mercury germicidal lamps. These data were then used to estimate an 8 h exposure based on several simplified workplace scenarios. The implications for workplace safety are then discussed.
Sphenomandibular ankylosis and its access through zygomatic arch osteotomy
Authors: Verma D.K. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractAnkylosis of the temporomandibular joint is a very debilitating condition. A case report of a 12‐year‐old girl with ankylosis between the mandibular notch and the skull base is presented. Trauma was identified as the probable cause. Al Kayat and Bramley approach followed by osteotomy and lateral swing of the zygomatic arch gained extraoral access to the site. Osteotomy of the bony mass was done between the mandibular notch and the skull base. The patient had good mouth opening at 1‐year follow up.
The relationship between bite force and oral sensation during biting in molars
Authors: Ogura R , Kato H , Okada D , Foxton RM , Ikeda M , Miura H 
Published: June 2012

AbstractBackground:  In prosthodontic treatment, the occlusal form should be designed such that bite force is applied at the position that has higher load‐bearing capacity and is comfortable for the patient. The purpose of this study was to clarify the differences in bite force and occlusal sensation with different loading positions on the occlusal surface.Methods:  Twelve healthy subjects were recruited for this study. Bite force and occlusal sensation were measured at five loading points on the upper and lower left first molars. Occlusal sensation was evaluated using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS).Results:  Bite forces on the lingual side of the upper first molar and the buccal side of the lower first molar were significantly higher and VAS scores were significantly lower, i.e. the subjects felt less discomfort during biting on the buccal side of the upper first molar and the lingual side of the lower first molar compared to the other side of each molar.Conclusions:  Loading on the occlusal surfaces of the functional cusps of the upper and lower first molars produces more load‐bearing capacity and is more comfortable than loading on the non‐functional cusps.
Investigation of the Effects of Dynamic Change in Curvature and Torsion on Pulsatile Flow in a Helical Tube
Authors: Selvarasu N. K. C. , Tafti Danesh K. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractCardiovascular diseases are the number one cause of death in the world, making the understanding of hemodynamics and the development of treatment options imperative. The effect of motion of the coronary artery due to the motion of the myocardium is not extensively studied. In this work, we focus our investigation on the localized hemodynamic effects of dynamic changes in curvature and torsion. It is our objective to understand and reveal the mechanism by which changes in curvature and torsion contribute towards the observed wall shear stress distribution. Such adverse hemodynamic conditions could have an effect on circumferential intimal thickening. Three-dimensional spatiotemporally resolved computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations of pulsatile flow with moving wall boundaries were carried out for a simplified coronary artery with physiologically relevant flow parameters. A model with stationary walls is used as the baseline control case. In order to study the effect of curvature and torsion variation on local hemodynamics, this baseline model is compared to models where the curvature, torsion, and both curvature and torsion change. The simulations provided detailed information regarding the secondary flow dynamics. The results suggest that changes in curvature and torsion cause critical changes in local hemodynamics, namely, altering the local pressure and velocity gradients and secondary flow patterns. The wall shear stress (WSS) varies by a maximum of 22% when the curvature changes, by 3% when the torsion changes, and by 26% when both the curvature and torsion change. The oscillatory shear stress (OSI) varies by a maximum of 24% when the curvature changes, by 4% when the torsion changes, and by 28% when both the curvature and torsion change. We demonstrate that these changes are attributed to the physical mechanism associating the secondary flow patterns to the production of vorticity (vorticity flux) due to the wall movement. The secondary flow patterns and augmented vorticity flux affect the wall shear stresses. As a result, this work reveals how changes in curvature and torsion act to modify the near wall hemodynamics of arteries.
Complete Genome Sequence of a New Circular DNA Virus from Grapevine
Authors: Krenz Björn , Thompson Jeremy R. , Fuchs Marc , Perry Keith L. 
Published: June 2012

ABSTRACT

A novel circular DNA virus sequence is reported from grapevine. The corresponding genomic organization, coding potential, and conserved origin of replication are similar to those of members of the family
Geminiviridae
, but the genome of 3,206 nucleotides is 4% larger than the largest reported geminiviral genome and shares only 50% overall sequence identity.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Novel Avian Paramyxovirus
Authors: Briand François-Xavier , Henry Aurélie , Massin Pascale , Jestin Véronique 
Published: June 2012

ABSTRACT
We report here the complete genome of a new avian paramyxovirus (APMV-11) isolated from common snipes. Sequence data from this virus showed that it has the largest genome of APMV and unusual P gene mRNA editing.
Complete Genome Sequence of an H10N8 Avian Influenza Virus Isolated from a Live Bird Market in Southern China
Authors: Jiao Peirong , Cao Lan , Yuan Runyu , Wei Liangmeng , Song Yafen , Shen Dan , Gong Lang , Luo Kaijian , Ren Tao , Liao Ming 
Published: June 2012

ABSTRACT
An H10N8 avian influenza virus (AIV), designated A/Duck/Guangdong/E1/2012 (H10N8), was isolated from a duck in January 2012. This is first report that this subtype of AIV was isolated from a live bird market (LBM) in Guangdong Province in southern China. Furthermore, the complete genome of this strain was analyzed. The availability of genome sequences is helpful to further investigations of epidemiology and molecular characteristics of AIV in southern China.
Complete Genome Sequence of Vibrio vulnificus Bacteriophage SSP002
Authors: Lee Hyun Sung , Choi Slae , Choi Sang Ho 
Published: June 2012

ABSTRACT

Vibrio vulnificus
phages are abundant in coastal marine environments, shellfish, clams, and oysters. SSP002, a
V. vulnificus
-specific bacteriophage, was isolated from oysters from the west coast of South Korea. In this study, the complete genome of SSP002 was sequenced and analyzed for the first time among the
V. vulnificus
-specific bacteriophages.
Genome Assembly of Bell Pepper Endornavirus from Small RNA
Authors: Sela Noa , Luria Neta , Dombrovsky Aviv 
Published: June 2012

ABSTRACT

The family
Endornaviridae
infects diverse hosts, including plants, fungi, and oomycetes. Here we report for the first time the assembly of bell pepper endornavirus by next-generation sequencing of viral small RNA. Such a population of small RNA indicates the activation of the viral immunity silencing machinery by this cryptic virus, which probably encodes a novel silencing suppressor.
Complete Genomic Sequence of Salmonella enterica Serovar Enteritidis Phage SE2
Authors: Tiwari Birendra R. , Kim Shukho , Kim Jungmin 
Published: June 2012

ABSTRACT

Salmonella enterica
serovar Enteritidis has remained a major food-borne pathogen in humans. We isolated a virulent
S. enterica
serovar Enteritidis bacteriophage, SE2, which belongs to the family
Siphoviridae
. Phage SE2 could lyse
S. enterica
serovar Enteritidis PT-4, and its virulence was maintained even at ambient temperature. The genomic sequence of phage SE2 was composed of 43,221 bp with close similarity to those of
Salmonella
phage SETP3 and
Salmonella
phage SS3e. The strong and stable lytic activity of this phage might enable its use as a therapeutic or biocontrol agent against
S. enterica
serovar Enteritidis.
Complete Genome Sequence of Cronobacter sakazakii Temperate Bacteriophage phiES15
Authors: Lee Ju-Hoon , Choi Younho , Shin Hakdong , Lee Junghyun , Ryu Sangryeol 
Published: June 2012

ABSTRACT

While most phage genome studies have been focused on the virulent phages, the inducible temperate bacteriophage genome study provides more detailed information about the interaction between the host strain and the phage. To study this interaction in detail, UV-induced phiES15 bacteriophage was isolated from the host strain
Cronobacter sakazakii
ES15 and its genome was completely sequenced. Here we announce the genome sequence of phiES15 and report major findings from the annotation.
Full Genome Sequence of a Recombinant H5N1 Influenza Virus from a Condor in Southern China
Authors: Jiao Peirong , Yuan Runyu , Song Yafen , Wei Liangmeng , Ren Tao , Liao Ming , Luo Kaijian 
Published: June 2012

ABSTRACT
In this study, we report the first genomic information on an H5N1 avian influenza virus (AIV) isolated from a condor in Guangdong Province in southern China in 2003. Full genome sequencing and phylogenetic analyses show that it is a recombinant virus containing genome segments derived from the Eurasia and North America gene pools. This will be useful for analyses of the evolution of H5N1 AIV in southern China.
PROJECTIONS OF LOG-CONCAVE FUNCTIONS
Authors: SEGAL ALEXANDER , SLOMKA BOAZ A. 
Published: June 2012

Recently, it has been proven in [V. Milman, A. Segal and B. Slomka, A characterization of duality through section/projection correspondence in the finite dimensional setting, J. Funct. Anal. 261(11) (2011) 3366–3389] that the well-known duality mapping on the class of closed convex sets in ℝncontaining the origin is the only operation, up to obvious linear modifications, that interchanges linear sections with projections. In this paper, we extend this result to the class of geometric log-concave functions (attaining 1 at the origin). As the notions of polarity and the support function were recently uniquely extended to this class by Artstein-Avidan and Milman, a natural notion of projection arises. This notion of projection is justified by our result. As a consequence of our main result, we prove that, on the class of lower semi continuous non-negative convex functions attaining 0 at the origin, the polarity operation is the only operation interchanging addition with geometric inf-convolution and the support function is the only operation interchanging addition with inf-convolution.
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) and Soluble VEGF Receptor 1 (sFlt-1) Levels in Early and Mature Human Milk from Mothers of Preterm versus Term Infants
Authors: Loui Andrea , Eilers Elisabeth , Strauss Evelyn , Pohl-Schickinger Anja , Obladen Michael , Koehne Petra 
Published: June 2012

Background: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptors regulate angiogenesis (formation of blood vessels). The soluble VEGF receptor 1 (sFlt-1) binds VEGF as a potent antagonist. Objective: The objective of this study was to compare VEGF and sFlt-1 levels in milk from mothers of preterm (n = 50) versus term (n = 49) infants in a longitudinal study. Methods: Milk samples were collected on days 3 and 28 of lactation. Vascular endothelial growth factor and sFlt-1 were quantified by sandwich-type enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: Vascular endothelial growth factor and sFlt-1 were found in high concentrations in early milk (lactation day 3) from mothers of preterm and term infants and were lower in mature milk (lactation day 28). On day 3, median VEGF concentration was lower in preterm than in term milk (37.1 vs 53.9 ng/mL, P < .01). Otherwise, VEGF (day 28) and sFlt-1 (days 3 and 28) did not differ in preterm versus term milk. Conclusions: It was shown for the first time that sFlt-1 is present in human milk. Early human milk contains high concentrations of VEGF and sFlt-1, which decrease over the course of lactation.
Rituximab therapy in pulmonary alveolar proteinosis improves alveolar macrophage lipid homeostasis
Authors: Malur Anagha , Kavuru Mani S , Marshall Irene , Barna Barbara P , Huizar Isham , Karnekar Reema , Thomassen Mary Jane 
Published: June 2012

Abstract

Rationale
Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis (PAP) patients exhibit an acquired deficiency of biologically active granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) attributable to GM-CSF specific autoantibodies. PAP alveolar macrophages are foamy, lipid-filled cells with impaired surfactant clearance and markedly reduced expression of the transcription factor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) and the PPARγ-regulated ATP binding cassette (ABC) lipid transporter, ABCG1. An open label proof of concept Phase II clinical trial was conducted in PAP patients using rituximab, a chimeric murine-human monoclonal antibody directed against B lymphocyte specific antigen CD20. Rituximab treatment decreased anti-GM-CSF antibody levels in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid, and 7/9 patients completing the trial demonstrated clinical improvement as measured by arterial blood oxygenation.

Objectives
This study sought to determine whether rituximab therapy would restore lipid metabolism in PAP alveolar macrophages.

Methods
BAL samples were collected from patients pre- and 6-months post-rituximab infusion for evaluation of mRNA and lipid changes.

Results
Mean PPARγ and ABCG1 mRNA expression increased 2.8 and 5.3-fold respectively (p ≤ 0.05) after treatment. Lysosomal phospholipase A2 (LPLA2) (a key enzyme in surfactant degradation) mRNA expression was severely deficient in PAP patients pre-treatment but increased 2.8-fold post-treatment. In supplemental animal studies, LPLA2 deficiency was verified in GM-CSF KO mice but was not present in macrophage-specific PPARγ KO mice compared to wild-type controls. Oil Red O intensity of PAP alveolar macrophages decreased after treatment, indicating reduced intracellular lipid while extracellular free cholesterol increased in BAL fluid. Furthermore, total protein and Surfactant protein A were significantly decreased in the BAL fluid post therapy.

Conclusions
Reduction in GM-CSF autoantibodies by rituximab therapy improves alveolar macrophage lipid metabolism by increasing lipid transport and surfactant catabolism. Mechanisms may involve GM-CSF stimulation of alveolar macrophage ABCG1 and LPLA2 activities by distinct pathways.