bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Wetland food resources for spring‐migrating ducks in the Upper Mississippi River and Great Lakes Region
Authors: Straub Jacob N. , Gates Robert J. , Schultheis Richard D. , Yerkes Tina , Coluccy John M. , Stafford Joshua D. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractWetlands in the Upper Mississippi River and Great Lakes Region (UMRGLR) must annually sustain populations of migrating waterfowl from the mid‐continent of North America. We used multi‐stage sampling to estimate plant and invertebrate food biomasses (kg/ha) for ducks in 3 wetland habitat types at 6 stop‐over locations in the UMRGLR during 2006 and 2007. Total biomass was greatest in palustrine emergent (PEM; ${\bar {x}}$ = 208 kg/ha, SE = 23, median = 120), followed by palustrine forested (PF; ${\bar {x}}$ = 87 kg/ha, SE = 7; median = 43), and lacustrine–riverine (LR; ${\bar {x}}$ = 52 kg/ha, SE = 7; median = 27) wetlands. Ducks that foraged in forested and LR wetlands encountered the least food abundance during spring in the UMRGLR. Our estimates of food abundance were the lowest reported among other landscape scale surveys from mid‐continent North America. About 1 in every 5 PEM wetlands and over half of our PF and LR wetlands that we sampled contained <50 kg/ha of food, suggesting many had little or no forage value to ducks during spring. Biomass of plant foods generally exceeded invertebrate biomass in all habitat types, although invertebrate biomass estimates exceeded plant biomass in 8 of 29 sites when considered by wetland type and year. Total food biomass estimates varied widely (${\bar {x}}$ = 6–425 kg/ha) between years and among habitats; thus, using global arithmetic means to estimate food abundance for conservation planning obscures fine scale temporal and spatial variation that may be necessary for management on local and sub‐regional levels. Distributions of food biomass estimates were right‐skewed, causing us to question whether arithmetic means realistically represent levels of food abundance that all ducks encounter during spring migration. Alternative measures of central tendency (e.g., median) may be more biologically realistic, particularly if spring‐migrating ducks are not distributed in an ideal‐free manner with respect to food abundance. Future research should determine how ducks distribute themselves in relation to variation in food abundance in space and time during spring migration to strengthen the biological approach to conservation planning in non‐breeding Joint Venture areas of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
Effects of supplemental feeding and aggregation on fecal glucocorticoid metabolite concentrations in elk
Authors: Forristal Victoria E. , Creel Scott , Taper Mark L. , Scurlock Brandon M. , Cross Paul C. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractHabitat modifications and supplemental feeding artificially aggregate some wildlife populations, with potential impacts upon contact and parasite transmission rates. Less well recognized, however, is how increased aggregation may affect wildlife physiology. Crowding has been shown to induce stress responses, and increased glucocorticoid (GC) concentrations can reduce immune function and increase disease susceptibility. We investigated the effects of supplemental feeding and the aggregation that it induces on behavior and fecal glucocorticoid metabolite concentrations (fGCM) in elk (Cervus elaphus) using observational and experimental approaches. We first compared fGCM levels of elk on supplemental feedgrounds to neighboring elk populations wintering in native habitats using data from 2003 to 2008. We then experimentally manipulated the distribution of supplemental food on feedgrounds to investigate whether more widely distributed food would result in lower rates of aggression and stress hormone levels. Contrary to some expectations that fed elk may be less stressed than unfed elk during the winter, we found that elk on feedgrounds had fecal GC levels at least 31% higher than non‐feedground populations. Within feedgrounds, fGCM levels were strongly correlated with local measures of elk density (r2 = 0.81). Dispersing feed more broadly, however, did not have a detectable effect on fGCM levels or aggression rates. Our results suggest that increases in aggregation associated with winter feedgrounds affects elk physiology, and the resulting increases in fGCM levels are not likely to be mitigated by management efforts that distribute the feed more widely. Additional research is needed to assess whether these increases in fGCMs directly alter parasite transmission and disease dynamics. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
Management for oak regeneration: Short‐term effects on the bird community and suitability of shelterwood harvests for canopy songbirds
Authors: Newell Felicity L. , Rodewald Amanda D. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractInterest in regenerating oaks (Quercusspp.) has promoted use of partial harvesting techniques that create an open forest structure. From 2007 to 2009, we studied songbirds in mixed‐oak forests in southeastern Ohio, comparing shelterwoods recently harvested to 50% stocking and closed‐canopy mature second‐growth. We surveyed birds using distance‐based methods (56 line transects in 18 stands at 4 forests). We intensively investigated suitability of shelterwoods for canopy‐nesting species by examining habitat preferences, as measured by settlement patterns, age distributions, and site fidelity; we also examined nesting success. Several midstory and ground‐nesting species were 26–73% less abundant in shelterwood than unharvested stands, whereas shrub‐nesting species increased >100% several years post‐harvesting. Canopy‐nesting species were 31–98% more abundant in shelterwoods, but cerulean warbler (Setophaga cerulea) responses varied by forest. Patterns of settlement and site fidelity were generally similar among stands. Proportions of young males were actually greater for several species in shelterwood than unharvested stands, which may have been a consequence of young birds colonizing newly created (or improved) habitat. Even in our predominantly forested study system, nesting success (>700 nests) was low, ranging from 15% to 19% for yellow‐throated vireos (Vireo flavifrons) and cerulean warblers, to 27–36% for scarlet tanagers, blue‐gray gnatcatchers (Polioptila caerulea) and eastern wood‐pewees (Contopus virens). However, nest survival did not differ between shelterwood and unharvested stands, possibly because numbers of avian predators did not change with harvesting. Despite increased numbers of brown‐headed cowbirds (Molothrus ater) in shelterwoods, only 2% of canopy nests in which young could be identified were parasitized. Although these results suggest shelterwood harvests containing abundant overstory trees can provide short‐term breeding habitat for canopy songbirds, long‐term responses of birds to partial harvesting may differ from those documented here depending on different management options employed. Management for oak regeneration will typically remove all overstory trees later in the cutting cycle, initially resulting in loss of nesting substrates and hence breeding habitat for canopy songbirds. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
What is talent?
Authors: Ulrich Dave , Smallwood Norm 
Published: December 2011

AbstractLeadership development, according to Ulrich and Smallwood, is not only about developing future generations of leaders. It's also about self‐development. Similarly, the concept of talent is multidimensional, and not completely understood by the C‐suite executives at the top of organizations. Ulrich and Smallwood provide a detailed and concrete examination of what talent really is, and how it can be developed through succession, customization, and modeling, along with suggestions for proper leadership investment. They have also synthesized their findings into the following formula: “Talent = competence × commitment × contribution.”
Tuning Size Scale and Crystallinity of PCL Electrospun Fibres via Solvent Permittivity to Address hMSC Response
Authors: Guarino Vincenzo , Cirillo Valentina , Taddei Paola , Alvarez‐Perez Marco A. , Ambrosio Luigi 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThe effect of solvent permittivity on the fibre morphology of PCL electrospun membranes for tissue engineering applications is studied. Morphological results indicate that polar solvents with higher permittivity are able to promote the formation of sub‐micrometric fibres, while apolar solvents yield microfibres with an average fibre diameter of 2.86 ± 0.31 µm. Polymer/solvent interactions and electrospinning process parameters influence the mechanism of fibre and bead formation. It is shown that the dielectric properties of solvents influence the fibre size scale and crystallinity and directly contribute to the biological response of stem cells. Solvent permittivity is a key factor in controlling the morphological and physical properties of electrospun fibre meshes.magnified image
Photocrosslinked Co‐Networks from Glycidylmethacrylated Gelatin and Poly(ethylene glycol) Methacrylates
Authors: Pierce Benjamin F. , Tronci Giuseppe , Rößle Martin , Neffe Axel T. , Jung Friedrich , Lendlein Andreas 
Published: December 2011

AbstractBiopolymer‐based systems with adjustable macroscopic properties that can be varied in a wide range using only small changes in chemical composition are promising candidates for biomaterial‐induced autoregeneration. Glycidylmethacrylated gelatin is photopolymerized with the addition of PEG mono‐ or dimethacrylate to form co‐networks in pH = 7.4 PBS. The degree of swelling (Q) and water uptake (H) in PBS at 37 °C are tailorable for PEGDMA co‐networks (Q ≈ 250–650 vol%), while the storage modulus of swollen networks at 37 °C can be adjusted by the PEG(D)MA content (G′ = 0.7–145 kPa). Indirect cytotoxicity tests on ethylene oxide sterilized films show non‐toxic responses for the homonetwork and all but one PEGDMA‐containing co‐networks materials.magnified image
The morphology and corrosion resistance of electrodeposited Co‐TiO2 nanocomposite coatings
Authors: Sanjabi S. , Shirani A. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractCo‐TiO2 nanocomposite coatings with various contents of TiO2 nanoparticles were prepared by electrodeposition in Co sulfate plating bath containing TiO2 nanoparticles. The influence of the TiO2 nanoparticles concentration in the bath, of the current density and of sodium dodecyle sulfate (SDS) as anionic surfactant on the morphology, composition, texture, roughness, and microhardness of the coatings was investigated. The morphology and composition of coatings were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The phase structure of coatings was analyzed by X‐ray diffraction (XRD). The results showed that the maximum codeposition of TiO2 nanoparticles in Co matrix was around 4.5 vol% obtained in 60 g/L TiO2 in the bath, 30 mA/cm2 and 0.15 g/L SDS. The microhardness of coatings was increased up to 504 Hv by increasing TiO2 concentration in the bath to 60 g/L TiO2. The electrochemistry tests including potentiodynamic polarization and impedance spectroscopy revealed that by addition of TiO2 into Co matrix, the corrosion current density, polarization resistance, and charge transfer resistance of Co‐TiO2 coating were increased compared with Co coating.
Electrochemical characterization of Ni47.7Ti37.8Nb14.5 shape memory alloy in artificial saliva
Authors: Mareci D. , Chelariu R. , Cailean A. , Sutiman D. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractElectrochemical corrosion behaviour of the studied Ni47.7Ti37.8Nb14.5 (NiTiNb) shape memory alloy was investigated for dental applications. An equiatomic NiTi alloy was used in some tests as reference material. Electrochemical techniques such as anodic potentiodynamic polarization, open circuit potential and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were employed. Experiments were carried out using artificial saliva. Very low passive current densities were obtained from the anodic polarization curve, indicating a typical passive behaviour for NiTiNb alloy. Over the surface of the NiTiNb alloy uniform corrosion appears, while in case of the NiTi alloy surface pitting corrosion is developed. The role that Nb plays as an alloying element is by increasing the resistance of NiTi alloy to localized corrosion. The EIS results exhibited high impedance values (order of 106 Ω cm2) obtained from medium to low frequencies which are indicative of the formation of a highly stable passive film on NiTiNb alloy in the artificial saliva.
In vitro three‐dimensional (3D) models in cancer research: An update
Authors: Kimlin Lauren C. , Casagrande Giovanna , Virador Victoria M. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractTissues are three‐dimensional (3D) entities as is the tumor that arises within them. Though disaggregated cancerous tissues have produced numerous cell lines for basic and applied research, it is generally agreed that these lines are poor models of in vivo phenomena. In this review we focus on in vitro 3D models used in cancer research, particularly their contribution to molecular studies of the early stages of metastasis, angiogenesis, the tumor microenvironment, and cancer stem cells. We present a summary of the various formats used in the field of tissue bioengineering as they apply to mechanistic modeling of cancer stages or processes. In addition we list studies that model specific types of malignancies, highlight drastic differences in results between 3D in vitro models and classical monolayer culturing techniques, and establish the need for standardization of 3D models for meaningful preclinical and therapeutic testing. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Double‐targeted and double‐enhanced suicide gene therapy mediated by generation 5 polyamidoamine dendrimers for prostate cancer
Authors: Chen Yue , Wang Gang , Kong Deling , Zhang Zhihong , Yang Kuo , Liu Ranlu , Zhao Weiming , Xu Yong 
Published: December 2011

AbstractHerpes simplex virus (HSV)‐thymidine kinase (TK)/ganciclovir (GCV) system is one of the most widely used and efficient suicide gene therapy for prostate cancer, but the lack of favorable gene vector and target limits its application. In this study, we established a novel system using nonviral gene vector G5‐PAMAM‐D to express HSV‐TK and connexin43 (Cx43) gene driven by prostate‐specific membrane antigen (PSMA) promoter, and evaluated the anti‐tumor effect of this system. G5‐PAMAM‐D delivered PSMAe/p‐TK‐Cx43 showed expression of TK and Cx43 only in LNCaP cells, but not in PC‐3 and other cells. The transfection efficiency of this system was comparable to lipofectamine 2000 by propidium iodide staining assay. With gemcitabine, folate‐G5‐PAMAM‐D delivered PSMAe/p‐TK‐Cx43 (folate‐G5‐PAMAM‐D/PSMAe/p‐TK‐Cx43) significantly decreased prostate cancer LNCaP cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis in vitro. With gemcitabine, the systemic deliver of folate‐G5‐PAMAM‐D/PSMAe/p‐TK‐Cx43 significantly inhibited tumor growth in the LNCaP xenograft animal model. Our study demonstrates that this double‐targeted and double‐enhanced system is effective in inducing cell growth inhibition and apoptosis in vitro and suppressing tumor growth in vivo. In conclusion, Cx43 and gemcitabine combined with HSV‐TK/GCV gene therapy using nonviral vector G5‐PAMAM‐D hold great potential as a novel approach for the gene therapy of prostate cancer. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Permeability of ergot alkaloids across the blood‐brain barrier in vitro and influence on the barrier integrity
Authors: Mulac Dennis , Hüwel Sabine , Galla Hans‐Joachim , Humpf Hans‐Ulrich 
Published: December 2011

AbstractScope Ergot alkaloids are secondary metabolites of Claviceps spp. and they have been in the focus of research for many years. Experiments focusing on ergotamine as a former migraine drug referring to the ability to reach the brain revealed controversial results. The question to which extent ergot alkaloids are able to cross the blood‐brain barrier is still not answered.Methods and results In order to answer this question we have studied the ability of ergot alkaloids to penetrate the blood‐brain barrier in a well established in vitro model system using primary porcine brain endothelial cells. It could clearly be demonstrated that ergot alkaloids are able to cross the blood‐brain barrier in high quantities in only a few hours. We could further identify an active transport for ergometrine as a substrate for the BCRP/ABCG2 transporter. Investigations concerning barrier integrity properties have identified ergocristinine as a potent substance to accumulate in these cells ultimately leading to a weakened barrier function.Conclusion For the first time we could show that the so far as biologically inactive described 8‐(S) isomers of ergot alkaloids seem to have an influence on barrier integrity underlining the necessity for a risk assessment of ergot alkaloids in food and feed.
Major Australian tropical fruits biodiversity: Bioactive compounds and their bioactivities
Authors: Pierson Jean T. , Dietzgen Ralf G. , Shaw Paul N. , Roberts‐Thomson Sarah J. , Monteith Gregory R. , Gidley Michael J. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThe plant kingdom harbours many diverse bioactive molecules of pharmacological relevance. Temperate fruits and vegetables have been highly studied in this regard, but there have been fewer studies of fruits and vegetables from the tropics. As global consumers demand and are prepared to pay for new appealing and exotic foods, tropical fruits are now being more intensively investigated. Polyphenols and major classes of compounds like flavonoids or carotenoids are ubiquitously present in these fruits, as they are in the temperate ones, but particular classes of compounds are unique to tropical fruits and other plant parts. Bioactivity studies of compounds specific to tropical fruit plants may lead to new drug discoveries, while the synergistic action of the wide range of diverse compounds contained in plant extracts underlies nutritional and health properties of tropical fruits and vegetables. The evidence for in vitro and animal bioactivities is a strong indicator of the pharmacological promise shown in tropical fruit plant biodiversity. In this review, we will discuss both the occurrence of potential bioactive compounds isolated and identified from a selection of tropical fruit plants of importance in Australia, as well as recent studies of bioactivity associated with such fruits and other fruit plant parts.
Insulin receptor substrate‐2 gene variants in subjects with metabolic syndrome: Association with plasma monounsaturated and n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acid levels and insulin resistance
Authors: Perez‐Martinez Pablo , Delgado‐Lista Javier , Garcia‐Rios Antonio , Tierney Audrey C. , Gulseth Hanne L. , Williams Christine M. , Karlström Brita , Kieć‐Wilk Beata , Blaak Ellen E. , Helal Olfa , Saris Wim H. M. , Defoort Catherine , Drevon Christian A. , Lovegrove Julie A. , Dembinska‐Kieć Aldona , Riserus Ulf , Roche Helen M. , Lopez‐Miranda Jose 
Published: December 2011

ScopeSeveral insulin receptor substrate‐2 (IRS‐2) polymorphisms have been studied in relation to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. To examine whether the genetic variability at the IRS‐2 gene locus was associated with the degree of insulin resistance and plasma fatty acid levels in metabolic syndrome (MetS) subjects.Methods and resultsInsulin sensitivity, insulin secretion, glucose effectiveness, plasma fatty acid composition and three IRS‐2 tag‐single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were determined in 452 MetS subjects. Among subjects with the lowest level of monounsaturated (MUFA) (below the median), the rs2289046 A/A genotype was associated with lower glucose effectiveness (p<0.038), higher fasting insulin concentrations (p<0.028) and higher HOMA IR (p<0.038) as compared to subjects carrying the minor G‐allele (A/G and G/G). In contrast, among subjects with the highest level of MUFA (above the median), the A/A genotype was associated with lower fasting insulin concentrations and HOMA‐IR, whereas individuals carrying the G allele and with the highest level of ω‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (above the median) showed lower fasting insulin (p<0.01) and HOMA‐IR (p<0.02) as compared with A/A subjects.ConclusionThe rs2289046 polymorphism at the IRS2 gene locus may influence insulin sensitivity by interacting with certain plasma fatty acids in MetS subjects.
The potential role of nutritional genomics tools in validating high health foods for cancer control: Broccoli as example
Authors: Ferguson Lynnette R. , Schlothauer Ralf C. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractNutritional genomics reflects gene/nutrient interactions, utilising high‐throughput genomic tools in nutrition research. The field also considers the contribution of individual genotypes to wellness and the risk of chronic disease (nutrigenetics), and how such genetic predisposition may be modified by appropriate diets. For example, high consumption of brassicaceous vegetables, including broccoli, has regularly associated with low cancer risk. Bioactive chemicals in broccoli include glucosinolates, plant pigments including kaempferol, quercetin, lutein and carotenoids, various vitamins, minerals and amino acids. Cancer prevention is hypothesised to act through various mechanisms including modulation of xenobiotic metabolising enzymes, NF‐E2 p45‐related factor‐2 (Nrf2)‐mediated stress‐response mechanisms, and protection against genomic instability. Broccoli and broccoli extracts also regulate the progression of cancer through anti‐inflammatory effects, effects on signal transduction, epigenetic effects and modulation of the colonic microflora. Human intervention studies with broccoli and related foods, using standard biomarker methodologies, reveal part of a complex picture. Nutrigenomic approaches, especially transcriptomics, enable simultaneous study of various signalling pathways and networks. Phenotypic, genetic and/or metabolic stratification may identify individuals most likely to respond positively to foods or diets. Jointly, these technologies can provide proof of human efficacy, and may be essential to ensure effective market transfer and uptake of broccoli and related foods.
Pharmacokinetics of xanthohumol and metabolites in rats after oral and intravenous administration
Authors: Legette LeeCole , Ma Lian , Reed Ralph L. , Miranda Cristobal L. , Christensen John Mark , Rodriguez‐Proteau Rosita , Stevens Jan F. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractScope Xanthohumol (XN), a dietary flavonoid found in hops, may have health‐protective actions against cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Yet, there are limited data on the pharmacokinetics (PK) of XN. This study provides PK parameters for XN and its major metabolites in rats.Methods and results A PK study was conducted in male jugular vein‐cannulated Sprague‐Dawley rats. Rats (n = 12/group) received an intravenous (IV) injection (1.86 mg/kg BW) or an oral gavage of a low (1.86 mg/kg BW), medium (5.64 mg/kg BW), or high (16.9 mg/kg BW) dose of XN. Plasma samples were analyzed for XN and its metabolites using LC‐MS/MS. The maximum concentration (Cmax) and area under the curve (AUC0‐96 h) of total XN (free and conjugated) were 2.9±0.1 mg/L and 2.5±0.3 h* mg/L in IV group, 0.019±0.002 mg/L and 0.84±0.17 h* mg/L in the oral low group, 0.043±0.002 mg/L and 1.03±0.12 h* mg/L in the oral medium group, and 0.15±0.01 mg/L and 2.49±0.10 h* mg/L in the oral high group.Conclusion The bioavailability of XN is dose‐dependent and approximately 0.33, 0.13, and 0.11 in rats, for the low‐, medium‐, and high‐dose groups, respectively.