bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Soil‐based habitat partitioning in understorey palms in lower montane tropical forests
Authors: Andersen Kelly M. , Turner Benjamin L. , Dalling James W. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractAim  Dispersal assembly and niche assembly are two competing theories proposed to explain the maintenance of species diversity in tropical forests. Dispersal theory emphasizes the role of chance colonization events and distance‐limited seed dispersal in explaining species abundance and distribution, whereas niche theory emphasizes differences among species in requirements for potentially limiting resources. Species distribution patterns in tropical forests often correlate with geology and topography, but tests of the relative importance of dispersal and niche partitioning have been hampered by an inadequate characterization of resource availability. The aim of this study was to explore how soil chemical and physical properties, climate, and geographic distance affect understorey palm communities in lower montane forests.Location  Fortuna Forest Reserve, Chiriqui Province, and Palo Seco Forest Reserve, Bocas del Toro Province, in western Panama.Methods  Understorey palms and soil nutrient concentrations were surveyed within 10 sites on different soil types across a 13‐km transect. Variation in palm community composition was examined in relation to spatial and environmental variables.Results  The 25 understorey palm species recorded in the study were non‐randomly distributed among forests differing in soil nutrient availability. In support of dispersal theory, floristic similarity decreased predictably with increasing geographic distance. However, environmental and soil variables were also correlated with geographic distance. Floristic similarity was also highly associated with a subset of environmental variables. Variation in palm community similarity was most strongly correlated with inorganic nitrogen availability and cation concentration. A subset of soil variables had a stronger relationship with floristic similarity when geographic distance was controlled for than did geographic distance when differences in soils were controlled for.Main conclusions  Both dispersal and niche processes affect palm species distribution patterns. Although spatially limited dispersal may influence species distribution patterns, soil‐based habitat associations, particularly with respect to soil nitrogen, cation availability and aluminium concentrations, remain important factors influencing palm community composition at the mesoscale level in this tropical montane forest.
Plant and fungal identity determines pathogen protection of plant roots by arbuscular mycorrhizas
Authors: Sikes Benjamin A. , Cottenie Karl , Klironomos John N. 
Published: August 2009

Summary1. A major benefit of the mycorrhizal symbiosis is that it can protect plants from below‐ground enemies, such as pathogens. Previous studies have indicated that plant identity (particularly plants that differ in root system architecture) or fungal identity (fungi from different families within the Glomeromycota) can determine the degree of protection from infection by pathogens. Here, we test the combined effects of plant and fungal identity to assess if there is a strong interaction between these two factors.2. We paired one of two plants (Setaria glauca, a plant with a finely branched root system and Allium cepa, which has a simple root system) with one of six different fungal species from two families within the Glomeromycota. We assessed the degree to which plant identity, fungal identity and their interaction determined infection by Fusarium oxysporum, a common plant pathogen.3. Our results show that the interaction between plant and fungal identity can be an important determinant of root infection by the pathogen. Infection by Fusarium was less severe in Allium (simple root system) or when Setaria (complex root system) was associated with a fungus from the family Glomeraceae. We also detected significant plant growth responses to the treatments; the fine‐rooted Setaria benefited more from associating with a member of the family Glomeraceae, while Allium benefited more from associating with a member of the family Gigasporaceae.4. Synthesis. This study supports previous claims that plants with complex root systems are more susceptible to infection by pathogens, and that the arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis can reduce infection in such plants – provided that the plant is colonized by a mycorrhizal fungus that can offer protection, such as the isolates of Glomus used here.
Automatic control of mechanical forces acting on cell biomembranes using a vision‐guided microrobotic system in computer microscopy
Authors: ZHANG Y.L. , HAN M.L. , VIDYALAKSHMI J. , SHEE C.Y. , ANG W.T. 
Published: August 2009

SummaryA prototype for automatic control of mechanical forces acting on cell biomembranes is proposed in this paper. This prototype consists of vision‐guided position control of the holder and micro‐force sensor, automatic mechanical property characterization of cell biomembranes and automatic control of mechanical forces acting on cell biomembranes. A template‐free calibration method and autofocusing of multiple objects are introduced in the vision‐guided position control to minimize external biological contamination and position the cell, holder and micro‐force sensor into the same focal plane, respectively. A third‐order polynomial modified from biomembrane point‐load model describing the relationship between the measured mechanical force and the deformations of biomembranes is proposed. This simplified model is easily identified and inversed to facilitate the automatic control of mechanical forces. Experimental results based on zebrafish embryos demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed prototype.
Time‐lapse imaging of In Vitro myogenesis using atomic force microscopy
Authors: STÄDLER B. , BLÄTTLER T. M. , FRANCO‐OBREGÓN A. 
Published: August 2009

SummaryMyoblast therapy relies on the integration of skeletal muscle stem cells into distinct muscular compartments for the prevention of clinical conditions such as heart failure, or bladder dysfunction. Understanding the fundamentals of myogenesis is hence crucial for the success of these potential medical therapies. In this report, we followed the rearrangement of the surface membrane structure and the actin cytoskeletal organization in C2C12 myoblasts at different stages of myogenesis using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). AFM imaging of living myoblasts undergoing fusion unveiled that within minutes of making cell–cell contact, membrane tubules appear that unite the myoblasts and increase in girth as fusion proceeds. CLSM identified these membrane tubules as built on scaffolds of actin filaments that nucleate at points of contact between fusing myoblasts. In contrast, similarly behaving membrane tubules are absent during cytokinesis. The results from our study in combination with recent findings in literature further expand the understanding of the biochemical and membrane structural rearrangements involved in the two fundamental cellular processes of division and fusion.
Mutagenic lesion bypass and two functionally different RecA proteins in Deinococcus deserti
Authors: Dulermo Rémi , Fochesato Sylvain , Blanchard Laurence , De Groot Arjan 
Published: August 2009

SummaryRecA is essential for extreme radiation tolerance in Deinococcus radiodurans. Interestingly, Sahara bacterium Deinococcus deserti has three recA genes (recAC, recAP1, recAP3) that code for two different RecA proteins (RecAC, RecAP). Moreover, and in contrast to other sequenced Deinococcus species, D. deserti possesses homologues of translesion synthesis (TLS) DNA polymerases, including ImuY and DnaE2. Together with a lexA homologue, imuY and dnaE2 form a gene cluster similar to a widespread RecA/LexA‐controlled mutagenesis cassette. After having developed genetic tools, we have constructed mutant strains to characterize these recA and TLS polymerase genes in D. deserti. Both RecAC and RecAP are functional and allow D. deserti to survive, and thus repair massive DNA damage, after exposure to high doses of radiation. D. deserti is mutable by UV, which requires ImuY, DnaE2 and RecAC, but not RecAP. RecAC, but not RecAP, facilitates induced expression of imuY and dnaE2 following UV exposure. We propose that the extra recAP1 and recAP3 genes may provide higher levels of RecA protein for efficient error‐free repair of DNA damage, without further increasing error‐prone lesion bypass by ImuY and DnaE2, whereas limited TLS may contribute to adaptation to harsh conditions by generating genetic variability.
Estimation of parameters of a biochemically based model of photosynthesis using a genetic algorithm
Authors: SU YONGHONG , ZHU GAOFENG , MIAO ZEWEI , FENG QI , CHANG ZONGQIANG 
Published: August 2009

ABSTRACTPhotosynthesis response to carbon dioxide concentration can provide data on a number of important parameters related to leaf physiology. The genetic algorithm (GA), which is a robust stochastic evolutionary computational algorithm inspired by both natural selection and natural genetics, is proposed to simultaneously estimate the parameters [including maximum carboxylation rate allowed by ribulose 1·5‐bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) carboxylation rate (Vcmax), potential light‐saturated electron transport rate (Jmax), triose‐phosphate utilization (TPU), leaf dark respiration in the light (Rd) and mesophyll conductance (gm)] of the photosynthesis models presented by Farquhar, von Caemmerer and Berry, and Ethier and Livingston. The results show that by properly constraining the parameter bounds the GA‐based estimate methods can effectively and efficiently obtain globally (or, at least near globally) optimal solutions, which are as good as or better than those obtained by non‐linear curve fitting methods used in previous studies. More complicated problems such as taking the gm variation response to CO2 into account can be easily formulated and solved by using GA. The influence of the crossover probability (Pc), mutation probability (Pm), population size and generation on the performance of GA was also investigated.
Marine palaeoseismology from very high resolution seismic imaging: the Gondola Fault Zone (Adriatic foreland)
Authors: Di Bucci D. , Ridente D. , Fracassi U. , Trincardi F. , Valensise G. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractWe present a marine palaeoseismology analysis of a dense network of very high resolution seismic profiles along the Gondola Fault Zone (GFZ), a right‐lateral, E–W‐striking, active fault system in the Adriatic foreland. This case‐study aims to show how time and space variations in the activity of a dominantly right‐lateral fault system can be assessed using the vertical component of slip. The GFZ has been investigated for a length of 50 km. It includes two parallel subvertical fault sets and two main anticlines. The late Middle Pleistocene to Holocene vertical component of displacement along the fault is bell‐shaped, suggesting that in the long‐term the fault zone acts as a single, kinematically coherent structure. Slip rates are 0–0.18 mm a−1and vary temporally on individual segments. This variability is consistent with a model in which individual fault segments rupture independently during earthquakes with magnitudes up to 6.4 and 1.3–1.8 ka recurrence intervals.
Effect of selective vaccination on a decrease in the rate of hepatitis B virus‐positive Japanese first‐time blood donors
Authors: Yoshikawa A. , Suzuki K. , Abe A. , Tanaka T. , Yamaguchi K. , Tanaka T. , Ishikawa Y. , Minegishi K. , Gotanda Y. , Yugi H. , Uchida S. , Satake M. , Mizoguchi H. , Tadokoro K. 
Published: August 2009

summary.The government of Japan started a selective vaccination programme to prevent mother‐to‐infant infection by hepatitis B virus (HBV) since January 1986. The effect of the programme on first‐time blood donors has not been examined in detail. Data of first‐time blood donors aged 16–25 years from 1996 to 2007 were extracted from the Japanese Red Cross (JRC) donors' database. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to visualize the birth‐year‐dependent group of rate of HBV‐positive donors. According to the birth of year, donors were divided into four groups by PCA. After the start of the programme, donors born in 1986–1989 comprised a single group. Before the start of the programme, three groups (1980, 1981–1984 and 1985) were identified. Although a significant time‐dependent decrease in the rate of HBV‐positive donors was observed before the start of the programme, a significant difference in the rate of HBV‐positive donors was observed around the start of the programme by regression analysis for 16–19‐year‐old first‐time blood donors. The selective vaccination programme has been effective to prevent the vertical transmission of HBV from the analysis of first‐time blood donors. On the other hand, vaccination of blood donors should be considered to reduce the risk of post‐transfusion HBV infection, because the horizontal transmission increases in HBV‐positive blood donors.
A comparative cohort study on transfusion practice and outcome in two Dutch tertiary neonatal centres
Authors: Khodabux C. M. , Hack K. E. A. , Von Lindern J. S. , Brouwers H. , Walther F. J. , Brand A. 
Published: August 2009

summary.The objective of this study was to investigate how a red blood cell transfusion volume of 15 or 20 mL kg−1 body weight affects the total number of administered transfusions and neonatal complications in premature infants born before 32 gestational weeks. In this observational study, we analysed clinical data from two cohorts of 218 and 241 premature infants admitted to two neonatal centres which used the same transfusion guideline and product, but different transfusion volumes. Outcome parameters were the number of administered transfusions and the composite outcome of bronchopulmonary dysplasia, retinopathy of prematurity, intraventricular haemorrhage and mortality. The proportion of transfused infants was significantly lower (59 vs. 77%) in the centre using a lower transfusion volume of 15 mL kg−1. In infants born between a gestational age of 24 0/7 weeks and 27 6/7 weeks. a similar proportion received transfusions in both centres, with an equal number of transfusions per infant. In infants born between a gestational age of 28 0/7 weeks and 31 6/7 weeks, the proportion of transfused infants (49 vs. 74%) was significantly higher in the centre using a larger transfusion volume. In these infants, transfusion with 20 mL kg−1 resulted, however, in a mean reduction of one transfusion episode per infant. The higher proportion of transfused infants was associated with a higher pre‐transfusion haematocrit in less ill infants, suggesting the use of different triggers based on clinical grounds. Composite clinical complications were similar in both cohorts. Clinical neonatal outcome was similar disregard of a higher proportion of transfused patients and a higher total amount of RBC transfused in one of the centres. A larger transfusion volume of 20 mL kg−1 prolonged the interval until next transfusion and can reduce donor exposure in infants born between a gestational age of 28 0/7 weeks and 31 6/7 weeks.
Genetic analysis and QTL mapping of stalk digestibility and kernel composition in a high‐oil maize mutant (Zea mays L.)
Authors: Wang H.‐W. , Han J. , Sun W.‐T. , Chen S.‐J. 
Published: August 2009

With 1 figure and 5 tables AbstractA high‐oil maize inbred line Ce03005 derived from ethylmethane‐sulphonate mutagenesis was used to study the genetic basis of stalk digestibility and kernel chemical compositions, and evaluate the genetic relationship between traits. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping employed 211 lines of F3 and F4 generations derived from Ce03005 × B73. Nuclear magnetic resonance and near‐infrared reflectance spectrometry were used to analyse the following phenotypic traits: stalk digestibility and related traits including in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), in vitro cell wall digestibility (IVNDFD), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF), water soluble carbohydrate (WSC), and kernel composition including kernel oil content (KOC), kernel protein content (KPC) and kernel starch content (KSC). Correlation analysis indicated that IVDMD, IVNDFD and WSC were significantly (P = 0.01) positively correlated with KOC, while ADF and NDF were negatively correlated with KOC. Six QTL for IVDMD, five for IVNDFD, six for NDF, eight for ADF, three for WSC, eight for KOC, seven for KPC and 10 for KSC were detected in F3 and F4 generations. Five major QTL (R2 > 10) of qIVDMD6, qIVNDFD6, qNDF6, qADF6, qWSC6 andOlicm6 shared the same confidence interval on chromosome 6. The results suggested that KOC may be closely related or share the same QTL for stalk quality traits, and its change may have influences to the stalk components.
On‐The‐Job Skills and Earnings of Returned Migrants
Authors: Lianos Theodore , Pseiridis Anastasia 
Published: August 2009

Abstract1In this paper we study the factors altering the probability of migrants to acquire additional on‐the‐job skills while abroad, and the determinants of their earnings level, using a sample of 6120 returned migrants from Bosnia, Bulgaria, Georgia, Kyrgyz Republic, Romania, and Tadjikistan. We use a two‐stage procedure to estimate a system of two equations where on‐the‐job skills and earnings are determined simultaneously. The probability of acquiring skills on‐the‐job is found to be positively affected by the level of earnings. It is also higher for migrants who are employed in the same sector (pre‐ and during migration), and for migrants with lower initial financial status. Interestingly, the probability is lower for migrants with university education. The earnings level is positively affected by acquired on‐the‐job skills, the level of education, and the duration of migration. Women have lower earnings while those (males and females) who have learned the language of the destination country have higher earnings. The country variables are statistically significant in all cases but one, indicating that there are differences in the acquisition of skills and earnings reflecting unspecified differences among the countries of origin.
The impact of the pH value on skin integrity and cutaneous wound healing
Authors: Schreml S , Szeimies R‐M , Karrer S , Heinlin J , Landthaler M , Babilas P 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThe process of cutaneous wound healing comprises three overlapping major phases: inflammation, proliferation and tissue remodelling. However, while mechanisms are studied scientifically on the cellular and subcellular level, there is still a lack of knowledge concerning basic clinical parameters like wound pH or pO2. It could be proven that wound healing is affected by wound pH changes as they can lead to an inhibition of endogenous and therapeutically applied enzymes. Besides, the conformational structure of proteins and their functionality in wound healing is altered. Furthermore, the likelihood of bacterial colonization, which is a common problem in chronic wound pathogenesis, is affected by wound pH alterations. However, wound pH is rarely taken into account in current wound therapy strategies. A routinely performed monitoring of the wound pH and a subsequently adapted wound therapy would most possibly improve chronic wound therapy.
Virtual learning intervention to reduce bullying victimization in primary school: a controlled trial
Authors: Sapouna Maria , Wolke Dieter , Vannini Natalie , Watson Scott , Woods Sarah , Schneider Wolfgang , Enz Sibylle , Hall Lynne , Paiva Ana , André Elisabeth , Dautenhahn Kerstin , Aylett Ruth 
Published: August 2009

Background:  Anti‐bullying interventions to date have shown limited success in reducing victimization and have rarely been evaluated using a controlled trial design. This study examined the effects of the FearNot! anti‐bullying virtual learning intervention on escaping victimization, and reducing overall victimization rates among primary school students using a nonrandomized controlled trial design. The program was designed to enhance the coping skills of children who are known to be, or are likely to be, victimized.Methods:  One thousand, one hundred twenty‐nine children (mean age 8.9 years) in 27 primary schools across the UK and Germany were assigned to the FearNot! intervention or the waiting control condition. The program consisted of three sessions, each lasting approximately 30 minutes over a three‐week period. The participants were assessed on self‐report measures of victimization before and one and four weeks after the intervention or the normal curriculum period.Results:  In the combined sample, baseline victims in the intervention group were more likely to escape victimization at the first follow‐up compared with baseline victims in the control group (adjusted RR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.02–1.81). A dose–response relationship between the amount of active interaction with the virtual victims and escaping victimization was found (adjusted OR, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.003–1.18). Subsample analyses found a significant effect on escaping victimization only to hold for UK children (adjusted RR, 1.90; CI, 1.23–2.57). UK children in the intervention group experienced decreased victimization rates at the first follow‐up compared with controls, even after adjusting for baseline victimization, gender and age (adjusted RR, .60; 95% CI, .36–.93).Conclusions:  A virtual learning intervention designed to help children experience effective strategies for dealing with bullying had a short‐term effect on escaping victimization for a priori identified victims, and a short‐term overall prevention effect for UK children.
Vernacularization on the ground: local uses of global women's rights in Peru, China, India and the United States
Authors: LEVITT PEGGY , MERRY SALLY 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThe articles published in this special journal issue examine how global ideas about women's rights actually get used in four contexts – China, India, Peru and the United States. Our findings result from collaborative research conducted by teams in each country. We call the process of appropriation and local adoption of globally generated ideas and strategies vernacularization. In each country, vernacularization differed depending on the contents of the global women's rights packages at play, the work of vernacularizers and the different social positions they occupy, how human rights ideas are framed, the channels and technologies of transmission, and the local geographies of history and culture within which circulation and vernacularization take place. We find that vernacularization is a widespread practice that takes different forms in different kinds of organizations and in different cultural and historical contexts. Ongoing tensions between global and national rights ideas are quite common. Finally, our work brings to light two dilemmas in the way human rights are appropriated and used – a resonance dilemma and an advocacy dilemma – both arising from the disparity between human rights as law and human rights as a social movement.