bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Floral adaptations to nocturnal moth pollination in Diplomorpha (Thymelaeaceae)
Authors: OKAMOTO TOMOKO , KAWAKITA ATSUSHI , KATO MAKOTO 
Published: November 2008

AbstractMany members of the family Thymelaeaceae are highly praised and economically important for the production of fragrant scent, but little is known about the ecological significance of their secondary metabolites. To explore the potential role that secondary metabolites play in pollination, we studied the pollination systems of five Diplomorpha species in Japan by investigating their floral morphology and flower‐visiting insect fauna. We also analyzed the composition and temporal emission pattern of floral volatiles in one of the species to determine if there were any characteristics associated with the observed flower visitors. In Diplomorpha, anthesis began at dusk and various nocturnal moths were found visiting the flowers, often carrying numerous pollen grains on their proboscises. However, no hawkmoths were observed visiting Diplomorpha flowers. Diurnal insects visited the flowers less often, and most of them had short mouthparts and did not effectively contact the stigma. The floral scent of Diplomorpha sikokiana was released only at night when the moths were active and consisted mainly of monoterpenes and benzenoids, with a small amount of a sesquiterpene. The present study is the first to examine the pollination system of Diplomorpha and suggests that these plants exhibit a range of floral features associated with pollination by nocturnal moths. The single ovule in Diplomorpha flowers probably does not favor pollination by optimally foraging bees, which are more likely to cause intraplant pollen transfer, and might have facilitated adaptation to pollination by nocturnal moths, despite the lower number of pollen grains that are carried by these insects.
Breeding biologies, seed production and species‐rich bee guilds of Cleome lutea and Cleome serrulata (Cleomaceae)
Authors: CANE JAMES H. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThe summer‐blooming annual forbs Cleome lutea and Cleome serrulata (Cleomaceae) are native across the US Intermountain West and Rocky Mountains, respectively. Their farmed seed is sought to help rehabilitate western rangelands in those regions. This study of the reproductive biologies and pollinator faunas of C. lutea and C. serrulata is the first for this cosmopolitan family, the sister family to the Brassicaceae. Unlike the S‐allele self‐incompatibility systems of some Brassicaceae, both species of Cleome were found to be self‐fertile and capable of some autogamy. Compared with selfing, outcrossing did not enhance seed set, seed viability or seedling vigor for either species (in fact, selfed progeny were more robust). Large, openly visited plants yielded >20 000 seeds each. Like several species of the sister family Capparaceae, flowers of both species first shed their pollen, secreted nectar and became receptive nocturnally. Although no nocturnal visitors were found, both Cleome species attracted a diverse array of diurnal native bees, wasps and butterflies. Among the many floral generalist bees that work Cleome flowers for pollen and nectar are two managed agricultural pollinators, Apis mellifera and Megachile rotundata. These observations bode well for pollinating C. lutea and C. serrulata in small commercial seed fields. It appears that diverse wild bees would benefit from the addition of native Cleome to restoration seed mixes, with the objective of sustaining native pollinator faunas during the first few years of postfire plant community rehabilitation.
11: Polygonum thunbergii Sieb. et Zucc. (Polygonaceae)
Authors: KAWANO SHOICHI 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThe life‐history characteristics and demography of Polygonum thunbergii Sieb. et Zucc. (Polygonaceae) are described here. This is a typical annual species of the Polygonaceae, extending widely over wetlands in the lowlands of the Japanese Islands and in north‐eastern Asia. A unique feature of P. thunbergii is that each individual plant possesses two reproductive systems, that is, chasmogamy and cleistogamy. Chasmogamous flowers are borne on the cymose inflorescences with 10–20 flowers, reddish to pinkish in color, that attract various insects. A variety of pollinators visit the flowers, including horse flies and small butterflies, which obviously guarantees a certain degree of outbreeding among different individuals. The achenes produced are ovoid, trigonous, yellowish‐brown and dull in color and do not possess any specific seed dispersal mechanisms. Several cleistogamous flowers are produced at the tip of underground runners elongated from the base of the stems into the soil layers. The reproductive strategy of P. thunbergii is unique as an annual and the two reproductive systems (chasmogamy and cleistogamy [geocarpy]) allow populations to persist in unstable changing environments, such as the flood plains of rivers and wetlands developed at the margins of ponds or lakes.
Imaging for neuro‐ophthalmic and orbital disease – a review
Authors: Lee Andrew G , Johnson Michael C , Policeni Bruno A , Smoker Wendy RK 
Published: November 2008

AbstractA literature review was performed by content experts in neuro‐ophthalmology and neuroradiology using a systematic English‐language Medline search (1994–2008) limited to articles with relevance to neuro‐ophthalmic and orbital imaging. The information covered in this review includes: (i) the basic mechanics, indications and contraindications for cranial and orbital computed tomography and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging; (ii) the utility and indications for intravenous contrast, (iii) the use of specific MR sequences; (iv) the techniques and ophthalmic indications for computed tomography/MR angiography and venography; and (v) the techniques and indications for functional MR imaging, positron emission tomography scanning and single photon emission computed tomography. Throughout the review accurate and timely communication with the neuroradiologist regarding the clinical findings and suspected location of lesions is emphasized so as to optimize the ordering and interpretation of imaging studies for the ophthalmologist.
Activity‐dependent regulation of the dopamine transporter is mediated by Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase signaling
Authors: Padmanabhan Shalini , Lambert Nevin A. , Prasad Balakrishna M. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThe mechanisms regulating expression of the dopamine transporter are poorly understood. We tested the hypothesis that neuronal activity is one of the non‐genetic determinants of dopamine transporter abundance. Sustained changes in neuronal activity caused by tetrodotoxin and 4‐aminopyridine altered the dopamine uptake and abundance of dopamine transporter and its mRNA in rat mesencephalic cultures. The altered neuronal activity caused by these two drugs is accompanied by changes in intracellular calcium concentrations and Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent protein (CaM) kinase II activity in dopamine neurons. Chronic treatment with an L‐type calcium channel blocker (nifedipine) or CaM kinase inhibitor (KN93) decreased dopamine transporter‐mediated uptake and occluded the effects of tetrodotoxin and 4‐aminopyridine. These data suggest that neuronal activity can regulate dopamine transporter function and abundance via calcium/CaM kinase II signaling.
TMP21 degradation is mediated by the ubiquitin‐proteasome pathway
Authors: Liu Shengchun , Bromley‐Brits Kelley , Xia Kun , Mittelholtz Jill , Wang Ruitao , Song Weihong 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThe presenilin‐associated complex regulates two independent intramembranous cleavage activities, i.e. γ‐secretase and ε‐secretase activity. The γ‐secretase complex requires four critical components for its activity: presenilin 1, anterior pharynx‐defective 1, nicastrin 1 and presenilin enhancer 2, all of which are degraded through the ubiquitin‐proteasome pathway. Recently, TMP21, a type I transmembrane protein involved in endoplasmic reticulum/Golgi transport, was identified as a member of the presenilin complex. Knockdown of TMP21 selectively regulated pathogenic γ‐secretase activity, resulting in increased amyloid β protein 40 and 42, without affecting the ε‐cleavage of Notch. A further understanding of TMP21 degradation is required to examine the biological consequences of TMP21 protein level aberrations and their potential role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease and drug development. Here we show that human TMP21 has a short half‐life of approximately 3 h. Treatment with proteasomal inhibitors can increase TMP21 protein levels in both a time‐ and dose‐dependent manner, and both co‐immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescent staining show that TMP21 is ubiquitinated. Inhibition of the lysosomal pathway failed to show a dose‐dependent increase in TMP21 protein levels. Taken together, these results indicate that the degradation of TMP21, as with the other presenilin‐associated γ‐secretase complex members, is mediated by the ubiquitin‐proteasome pathway.
Oxidative stress as a mediator of life history trade‐offs: mechanisms, measurements and interpretation
Authors: Monaghan Pat , Metcalfe Neil B. , Torres Roxana 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThe concept of trade‐offs is central to our understanding of life‐history evolution. The underlying mechanisms, however, have been little studied. Oxidative stress results from a mismatch between the production of damaging reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the organism’s capacity to mitigate their damaging effects. Managing oxidative stress is likely to be a major determinant of life histories, as virtually all activities generate ROS. There is a recent burgeoning of interest in how oxidative stress is related to different components of animal performance. The emphasis to date has been on immediate or short‐term effects, but there is an increasing realization that oxidative stress will influence life histories over longer time scales. The concept of oxidative stress is currently used somewhat loosely by many ecologists, and the erroneous assumption often made that dietary antioxidants are necessarily the major line of defence against ROS‐induced damage. We summarize current knowledge on how oxidative stress occurs and the different methods for measuring it, and highlight where ecologists can be too simplistic in their approach. We critically review the potential role of oxidative stress in mediating life‐history trade‐offs, and present a framework for formulating appropriate hypotheses and guiding experimental design. We indicate throughout potentially fruitful areas for further research.
Global meta‐analysis of wood decomposition rates: a role for trait variation among tree species?
Authors: Weedon James T. , Cornwell William K. , Cornelissen Johannes H.C. , Zanne Amy E. , Wirth Christian , Coomes David A. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThe carbon flux from woody debris, a crucial uncertainty within global carbon‐climate models, is simultaneously affected by climate, site environment and species‐based variation in wood quality. In the first global analysis attempting to explicitly tease out the wood quality contribution to decomposition, we found support for our hypothesis that, under a common climate, interspecific differences in wood traits affect woody debris decomposition patterns. A meta‐analysis of 36 studies from all forested continents revealed that nitrogen, phosphorus, and C : N ratio correlate with decomposition rates of angiosperms. In addition, gymnosperm wood consistently decomposes slower than angiosperm wood within common sites, a pattern that correlates with clear divergence in wood traits between the two groups. New empirical studies are needed to test whether this difference is due to a direct effect of wood trait variation on decomposer activity or an indirect effect of wood traits on decomposition microsite environment. The wood trait–decomposition results point to an important role for changes in the wood traits of dominant tree species as a driver of carbon cycling, with likely feedback to atmospheric CO2particularly where angiosperm species replace gymnosperms regionally. Truly worldwide upscaling of our results will require further site‐based multi‐species wood trait and decomposition data, particularly from low‐latitude ecosystems.
Corneal innervation in mesocephalic and brachycephalic dogs and cats: assessment using in vivo confocal microscopy
Authors: Kafarnik Christiane , Fritsche Jens , Reese Sven 
Published: November 2008

AbstractObjective  To determine the density of the canine and feline corneal neural network in healthy dogs and cats using in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM).Animals examined  A total of 16 adult dogs (9 Mesocephalic breeds, 7 Brachycephalic breeds) and 15 cats (9 Domestic Short‐haired cats (DSH), 6 Persian cats) underwent IVCM.Procedure  Animals were examined with a confocal corneal microscope (HRTII/RCM; Heidelberg Retina Tomograph II/Rostock Cornea Module®, Heidelberg Engineering, Dossenheim, Germany). The investigations focused on the distribution of the corneal nerves and quantification of central subepithelial and subbasal nerve plexus.Results  The corneal stromal nerve trunks, subepithelial and subbasal nerve plexus were observed. The nerve fiber density (NFD) quantified in nerve fiber length in mesocephalic dogs were 12.39 ± 5.25 mm/mm2 in the subepithelial nerve plexus and 14.87 ± 3.08 mm/mm2 in the subbasal nerve plexus. The NFD of the subepithelial nerve plexus in DSH cats was 15.49 ± 2.7 and 18.4 ± 3.84 mm/mm2 in the subbasal nerve plexus. The subbasal NFD of DSH cats was significantly higher than in mesocephalic dogs (P = 0.037). The subepithelial NFD in brachycephalic dogs, and Persian cats were 10.34 ± 4.71 and 9.50 ± 2.3 mm/mm2, respectively. The subbasal NFD measured 11.80 ± 3.73 mm/mm2 in brachycephalic dogs, and 12.28 ± 4.3 mm/mm2 NFD in Persian cats, respectively. The subepithelial and subbasal NFD in Persian cats were significantly lower than in DSH cats (P = 0.028, respectively, P = 0.031), in contrast to brachycephalic vs. mesocephalic dogs.Conclusion  The noninvasive IVCM accurately detects corneal innervation and provides a reliable quantification of central corneal nerves.
Review of the measuring precision of the new Meibometer® MB550 through repeated measurements in dogs
Authors: Benz Petra , Tichy Alexander , Nell Barbara 
Published: November 2008

AbstractObjective  A meibometer is a device to measure the delivery rate of lipids on the eyelid margin. The aim of this study is to determine the measuring precision of the new Meibometer® MB550 (Courage‐Khazaka electronic GmbH, 50829, Cologne, Germany), linked to a computer, by means of repeated measurements in dogs by different examiners.Procedure  Two investigators measured the lipid rate on the eyelid margin in 10 healthy dogs for 10 days. One examiner measured the right eye (OD) and the other measured the left eye (OS) for 5 days. After 5 days, the eyes to be measured were switched between the examiners. The new device was able to record all measurement values as charts and curves in comparison to the previous Meibometer, which displayed only one value.Results  Mean meibomium lipid level ± SD in the OD and OS of 10 dogs in 10 days was 211 ± 48 MU and 205 ± 41 MU (meibometer units), respectively. There was no significant difference between OD and OS, but a broad distribution of the values could be found. Gender did not influence the measurements. A significant difference was determined between the measurements in the first 5 days to those in the following 5 days. There was, therefore, also a significant difference in the measurements of the 2 examiners.Conclusion  Meibometry is a minimally invasive lipid measuring method on the eyelid margin. Repeated measurement results obtained by two examiners, with the new device Meibometer MB550 linked to a computer, showed a wide range of values. The measuring precision of the new Meibometer MB550 is therefore questionable.
Doxycycline levels in preocular tear film of horses following oral administration
Authors: Baker Amy , Plummer Caryn E. , Szabo Nancy J. , Barrie Kathy P. , Brooks Dennis E. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractObjective  To determine the concentration of doxycycline in preocular tear film following oral administration in horses as a possible therapeutic modality for infectious and keratomalacic equine keratitis.Procedure  Eight broodmares without ocular disease from a Thoroughbred breeding facility were included in this study. Each mare received 20 mg/kg of doxycycline by mouth once daily in the morning for five consecutive days. Tears were collected 1 h after doxycycline administration starting on day one of administration and continuing for 10 consecutive days. Doxycycline levels in the tears were measured using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometric detection (LC‐MS/MS).Results  Doxycycline was present in the tears of each mare at low µg/mL levels with the highest concentration appearing on the third to fifth days (8.21–9.83 µg/mL). Doxycycline levels had fallen below quantifiable ranges by day 10. No systemic side‐effects were noted in any of the horses included in this study.Conclusions  Oral doxycycline is present in preocular tear film of normal horses with noninflamed eyes and may be useful as treatment in equine ulcerative keratomalacia. The oral dose listed was tolerated well by the horses in this study. The drug levels attained at 20 mg/kg once daily orally of doxycycline may aid in the treatment of corneal ulceration in horses, but further study is warranted.
The capybara eye: clincial tests, anatomic and biometric features
Authors: Montiani‐Ferreira Fabiano , Truppel Jesse , Tramontin Mariana H. , D’Octaviano Vilani Ricardo G. , Lange Rogério R. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractPurpose To carry out a descriptive investigation of the capybara (Hydrochaeris hydrochaeris) eye and to perform selected ophthalmic diagnostic tests with the aim of establishing normal physiological reference values for this species.Method A total of 22 healthy, capybaras were used to test most of the parameters in this investigation. Ages varied from 2 to 4 years of age. Selected diagnostic ocular tests were performed including Schirmer tear test, tonometry using an applanation tonometer (Tonopen®), central corneal thickness using an ultrasonic pachymeter (Sonomed, Micropach®, Model 200P +), axial globe length and culture of the normal conjunctival bacterial flora.Results and discussion Capybara's normal ocular features include: dorsal and ventral puncta, vestigial third eyelid, true cilia only at the upper eyelid margins. The bulbar conjunctiva is noticeably densely pigmented with a brown to bronze color. The capybara's pupil is oval in shape and vertical in position Notapetum lucidumis present in this species and the retinal blood vessels are almost absent. Results for selected ocular diagnostic tests investigated were: Intraocular pressure: 18.4 ± 3.8 mmHg; Schirmer tear test: 14.9 ± 5.1 mm/min; Central corneal thickness: 0.46 ± 0.03 mm; Axial globe length: 22.20 ± 1.71 mm. No statistically significant differences between ages or genders were found for any of the results.Corynebacteriumsp.,Micrococcussp.,Bacillussp. andStaphylococcussp. were isolated from healthy conjunctiva, suggesting they are normal constituents of the conjunctival flora of the capybara eye. The corneal epithelium of the capybara possesses a thin and discrete Bowman's layer. Results and parameters obtained in this investigation exposed unique anatomic features of the capybara eye and will help veterinary ophthalmologists to more accurately diagnose discrete or unusual pathological changes of the capybara eye. Furthermore, corneal thickness and axial length of the capybara are similar to that of human beings, revealing that the world's largest living rodent might be an excellent biological model for ophthalmic studies.
Improved abundance prediction from presence–absence data
Authors: Conlisk Erin , Conlisk John , Enquist Brian , Thompson Jill , Harte John 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACTAim  Many ecological surveys record only the presence or absence of species in the cells of a rectangular grid. Ecologists have investigated methods for using these data to predict the total abundance of a species from the number of grid cells in which the species is present. Our aim is to improve such predictions by taking account of the spatial pattern of occupied cells, in addition to the number of occupied cells.Innovation  We extend existing prediction models to include a spatial clustering variable. The extended models can be viewed as combining two macroecological regularities, the abundance–occupancy regularity and a spatial clustering regularity. The models are estimated using data from five tropical forest censuses, including three Panamanian censuses (4, 6 and 50 ha), one Costa Rican census (16 ha) and one Puerto Rican census (16 ha). A serpentine grassland census (8 × 8 m) from northern California is also studied.Main conclusions  Taking account of the spatial clustering of occupied cells improves abundance prediction from presence–absence data, reducing the mean square error of log‐predictions by roughly 54% relative to a benchmark Poisson predictor and by roughly 34% relative to current prediction methods. The results have high statistical significance.
Computer Aided Configuration of Pipe Systems in Buildings
Authors: Hsu Liyen , Mohan Satish 
Published: November 2008

Abstract: The combined configuration of the various pipe systems in hospitals, laboratories and plants can be very complicated. They are designed by different professionals and presented on separate drawings, generally by single lines. Location of Pipe systems has to satisfy constraints on clear distances between different kinds of pipes, negative spaces for installation and maintenance, and, in some cases, minimum and maximum slopes. The single lines presentations may pose unexpected interference problems during construction, impairing the quality, cost and schedule of the project. To cope with the difficulty, allowing more flexible space is usually considered, but this approach neglects the economic factor, and interference problems may still occur.This paper presents a methodology for a three‐dimensional (3‐D) configuration of pipe systems which satisfies given constraints and which avoids interference problems during construction. The data on the building and the initial single‐line piping layout can be fed into the process either directly from the blueprints or by using AutoCAD™. The process presented in this paper then calculates the existence of any interference problems, using analytic geometry and computer graphics. If any interferences are found, a computer simulation process incrementally modifies the initial layout until all of the constraints are satisfied. The modified data are then transferred to AutoCAD™ which configures a 3‐D presentation of the pipe system. An example application, using the proposed methodology, is presented in this paper.In addition to time and cost savings during construction, the work presented in this paper has the potential of: reducing storey heights, reducing underground excavations, ensuring reasonable space for maintenance personnel, better scheduling of piping activities, and the economic benefit of considering the possibilities of the penetration of pipes through structural beams closed to the nautral lines.