bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The herbage productivity of tall fescue in the Pampas region of Argentina is correlated to its ecological niche
Authors: Scheneiter J. O. , Kaufmann I. I. , Ferreyra A. R. , Llorente R. T.
Published: August 2015

Since its introduction in the 1950s, tall fescue has spread throughout the Pampas region of Argentina to become naturalized in much of this region. Its annual forage mass productivity shows significant differences among sites. In this work, we hypothesized that, under dryland conditions, the annual forage mass productivity is related to the probability that the corresponding site is within the ecological niche of the species. To test this hypothesis, the spontaneous occurrence of tall fescue was surveyed in an area of 440 000 km2. The abundance of tall fescue was verified on roadsides of national and provincial roads, in systematic sampling points spaced every 50 km. Subsequently, the ecological niche of the species was estimated with the Maxent software, based on the environmental information available. Additionally, the bioclimatic variables with greatest influence in determining the ecological niche were identified. Based on the information of comparative yield trials of tall fescue cultivars, a correlation analysis between annual forage mass productivity and the likelihood of ecological niche was performed. We found that the realized ecological niche of tall fescue in the Pampas region covers an area of 237 000 km2 where the average minimum temperature of the coldest month is between 2·6 and 3·2°C and the rainfall in the driest quarter is 100 mm or higher. We also found that there were significant correlations between annual forage mass productivity and the probability of realized ecological niche. Therefore, in areas with low probability of realized ecological niche, other forage species could be a better option than tall fescue to obtain a high and stable annual forage mass productivity.
Potential of Cistus ladanifer L. (rockrose) in small ruminant diets – effect of season and plant age on chemical composition, in vitro digestibility and antioxidant activity
Authors: Guerreiro O. , Dentinho M. T. P. , Moreira O. C. , Guerra A. R. , Ramos P. A. B. , Bessa R. J. B. , Duarte M. F. , Jerónimo E.
Published: August 2015

Shrubs can provide an important contribution to the fodder resources for small ruminants in Mediterranean areas, but there is limited information on their feed value, including secondary metabolites and their seasonal differences. This study evaluated the effect of seasonal variation in chemical composition, in vitro digestibility and antioxidant activity of the aerial parts of plants of Cistus ladanifer of two age groups [young plants vs. older ones (2–6 years old)]. Aerial parts of C. ladanifer plants of both age groups were characterized by moderate cell‐wall content [321–410 g NDF kg−1 dry matter (DM)], high levels of phenolic compounds (55·1–106 g gallic acid equivalents per kg DM) and condensed tannins (CT) (32·1–161 g kg−1 DM), low protein content (55–100 g kg−1 DM) and low digestibility (249–315 g of digestible organic matter per kg DM). During autumn and winter, C. ladanifer showed higher protein levels and lower cell‐wall content than in the other seasons. The highest values of phenolic compounds, CT and antioxidant activity were achieved during summer. Young plants showed higher levels of phenolic compounds during spring, summer and winter, and higher CT contents in summer (more than 54 g kg−1 DM) compared to old plants. Aerial parts of C. ladanifer of both age groups may be used as a component of ruminant nutrition, but only as a supplement and associated with other feeding resources to complement its nutritional imbalances.
A tortuous route to a capable fatherhood: the experience of being a father to a child with severe haemophilia
Authors: Myrin Westesson L. , Sparud‐Lundin C. , Wallengren C. , Baghaei F.
Published: August 2015

Introduction

Haemophilia is a chronic illness that affects the whole family as the child's reactions to the illness occur in interaction with the parents. Limited research has been conducted on how fathers of children with haemophilia experience their life situation.

Aim

The aim of this study was to describe the lived experience of being a father to a child with severe haemophilia.

Method

Individual, qualitative interviews were conducted with 14 fathers of 17 children with severe Haemophilia A. Data were analysed by means of a phenomenological hermeneutic method, including naïve reading, structural analysis and comprehensive interpretation.

Results

The results revealed that the fathers gradually grew into fatherhood through a process that can be explained in the metaphor, ‘A tortuous road to a capable fatherhood’. The fathers experienced sorrow, powerlessness, concern and loss of a regular fatherhood after the child's diagnosis. The loss of an envisaged fatherhood emerged as the greatest sorrow of being a father to a child with haemophilia. When home treatment with factor concentrates functioned without the involvement of Health Care Personal (HCP), the fathers’ sense of insufficiency decreased.

Conclusion

A sense of being a capable father was associated with a sense of independence and control of one's life situation. Support from the Haemophilia Treatment Centre (HTC) in the learning process is essential for both parents of a child with severe haemophilia. Awareness of the fathers’ struggle to feel capable is also vital while supporting the family in the first years after diagnosis.
Alloantibody developed in a factor XIII A subunit deficient patient during substitution therapy; characterization of the antibody
Authors: Pénzes K. , Vezina C. , Bereczky Z. , Katona É. , Kun M. , Muszbek L. , Rivard G. E.
Published: August 2015

Introduction

In factor XIII A subunit (FXIIIA) deficiency, the development of alloantibodies is extremely rare. Only four reports have been published and the antibodies were not characterized.

Aim

The aim of this study was to describe the clinical course and the laboratory diagnosis of a FXIII‐A deficient patient who developed alloantibodies.

Methods

FXIII activity was assessed with an ammonia release assay. FXIII‐A, FXIII B subunit (FXIII‐B) and the complex plasma FXIII (FXIII‐A2B2) antigens were determined by ELISA. The causative mutation was detected by fluorescent DNA sequencing. The binding of alloantibody to FXIII‐A2 and FXIII‐A2B2 was studied by surface plasmon resonance. The cleavage of FXIII‐A by thrombin and Ca2+‐induced activation of thrombin‐cleaved FXIII were followed by western blotting and activity measurement, respectively.

Results

FXIII activity, FXIII‐A2B2 and FXIII‐A antigens were below the limit of detection in the patient's plasma. The severe FXIII‐A deficiency was due to a novel homozygous mutation resulting in early stop codon (c.127C>T, p.Gln42STOP). The alloantibody bound to FXIII‐A2 and FXIII‐A2B2 with equally high affinity (Kd~10−8). It accelerated the elimination of administered FXIII concentrate from the circulation, interfered with thrombin and Ca2+‐induced activation and inhibited FXIII activity. Attempts to eliminate the alloantibody resulted only in transient improvement. Patient developed intracerebral haemorrhage after a minor trauma and died in spite of aggressive replacement therapy with FXIII concentrate.

Conclusion

The anti‐FXIII‐A alloantibody caused an unmanageable bleeding complication. The antibody was of combined subtype which accelerated the elimination of FXIII and exerted a multiple inhibitory effect on FXIII activation/activity.
Anti‐Helicobacter pylori Antibody Profiles in Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV)‐Positive and EBV‐Negative Gastric Cancer
Authors: Camargo M. Constanza , Kim Kyoung‐Mee , Matsuo Keitaro , Torres Javier , Liao Linda M. , Morgan Douglas R. , Michel Angelika , Waterboer Tim , Zabaleta Jovanny , Dominguez Ricardo L. , Yatabe Yasushi , Kim Sung , Rocha‐Guevara Erick R. , Lissowska Jolanta , Pawlita Michael , Rabkin Charles S.
Published: August 2015

Background

Helicobacter pylori is the primary cause of gastric cancer, but about 9% of cases harbor Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) in the tumor cells. There is limited evidence on the possible interaction or antagonism between these infectious agents in gastric carcinogenesis.

Methods

We compared H. pylori serologic profiles of EBV‐positive (n = 58) and EBV‐negative (n = 111) noncardia gastric cancer patients from the United States National Cancer Institute's International EBV‐Gastric Cancer Consortium. EBV positivity of tumors was assessed by in situ hybridization. Serum levels of 15 antibodies to immunogenic proteins of H. pylori (Cad, CagA, Cagδ, CagM, Catalase, GroEL, HcpC, HP0231, HP0305, HpaA, HyuA, NapA, Omp, UreA, VacA) were assessed using bead‐based multiplex serology. Logistic regression models were used to adjust odds ratios (OR) for country, age, sex, and year of diagnosis.

Results

Seropositivity to individual proteins ranged up to 90% overall. Antibodies to Catalase were borderline associated with tumor EBV positivity (adjusted OR = 3.15, p = .0024, Bonferroni corrected p = .036). Distributions of other antibodies did not vary by tumor EBV status.

Conclusion

Similarity of host–response indicates the essential etiological role of H. pylori in EBV‐positive gastric cancer.
Transparent and Luminescent ZnS Ceramics Consolidated by Vacuum Hot Pressing Method
Authors: Li Yiyu , Wu Yiquan
Published: August 2015

In this study, ZnS powders with homogeneous morphology were synthesized using a colloidal processing method. Vacuum hot pressing was subsequently applied to consolidate the ZnS powders into infrared transparent ceramics (77.3% transmittance at wavelengths of 6.74 and 9.29 μm). The phase composition of the sintered ZnS suggests the presence of wurtzite as a minor phase in addition to the primary sphalerite phase, and microstructural analysis indicates that the ceramics are highly densified. It has been found that the VHP‐sintered ZnS ceramics exhibit blue (450 nm) and green (530 nm) luminescence, which is due to the formation of zinc vacancies and sulfur interstitials, respectively, during the sintering process.
Association of Serum Uric Acid Level With Blood Pressure Variability in Newly Diagnosed Essential Hypertension
Authors: Çağlı Kumral , Turak Osman , Canpolat Uğur , Özcan Fırat , Tok Derya , Mendi Mehmet Ali , Öksüz Fatih , Siriopol Dimitrie , Veisa Gabriel , Covic Adrian , Kanbay Mehmet
Published: August 2015

Serum uric acid (UA) is independently associated with hypertension and blood pressure (BP) variability (BPV) is associated with cardiovascular events and mortality in hypertensive patients. The aim of the present study was to assess the association of serum UA with BPV in 300 untreated essential hypertension patients (mean age 57.3±13.6 years). BPV was quantified as the standard deviation (SD) of the 24‐hour, daytime, and nighttime mean values obtained by using ambulatory BP monitoring. In correlation analysis, log UA values were found to be positively correlated with 24‐hour systolic BPV and nighttime systolic and diastolic BPV (Pearson coefficients of 0.246, 0.280, and 0.353, respectively; P<.001 for all). In multivariate analysis, log UA had an independent association with 24‐hour systolic BPV and nighttime systolic and diastolic BPV. This study show for the first time that increased serum UA is independently associated with BPV in untreated essential hypertension patients.
Patterns and prognostic value of lymph node dissection for resected perihilar cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Mao Kai , Liu Jieqiong , Sun Jian , Zhang Jianlong , Chen Jie , Pawlik Timothy M. , Jacobs Lisa K. , Xiao Zhiyu , Wang Jie
Published: August 2015

Background and Aim:

Lymph node metastasis is a major prognostic factor for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (PHC). However, prognostic significance of extent of node dissection, lymph node ratio (LNR), and number and location of positive nodes remain unclear. We aimed to evaluate whether node status, LNR, or number or location of positive nodes are independent factors for staging in PHC and to determine the minimum requirements for node examination.

Methods:

The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database was used to identify 1116 resected PHCs from 1998 to 2008. The correlation between nodal status and survival was analyzed retrospectively.

Results:

Lymph node metastasis occurred in 43.4% patients and was an independent predictor for overall survival and cancer‐specific survival. No survival benefit was observed for an increasing number of node retrieval in node‐positive patients. However, in node‐negative patients, ≥13 node dissection was of more survival benefit than 3 ≤ total lymph node count (TLNC) ≤ 12 and TLNC < 3 (5‐year overall survival: 52.8% vs 39.7% vs 26.3%, P = 0.001; 5‐year cancer‐specific survival: 60.6% vs 46.3% vs 30.0%, P = 0.001). No difference in survival between patients with regional and distant node involvement was found. Survival for patients with greater than three positive nodes was significantly worse than that for those with three or less (relative ratio: 1.466, P = 0.001). And patients with LNR > 0.27 also had unfavorable prognosis (relative ratio: 1.376, P = 0.001).

Conclusions:

We determined that to adequately assess nodal status of this life‐threatening disease, 13 or more nodes retrieval should be considered. Number of positive nodes and LNR rather than location of metastatic nodes may be defined as parameters for staging of PHC.
The association between portion size, nutrient intake and gestational weight gain: a secondary analysis in the WATCH study 2006/7
Authors: Blumfield M. L. , Schreurs M. , Rollo M. E. , MacDonald‐Wicks L. K. , Kokavec A. , Collins C. E.
Published: August 2015

Background

Excessive gestational weight gain (GWG) is associated with adverse maternal–child health outcomes. Managing energy intake and GWG versus optimising nutrient intake can be challenging. The present study aimed to examine the relationships between dietary portion size, GWG and nutrient intakes during pregnancy. It is hypothesised that, after adjustment for potential confounders, portion size would be positively associated with both GWG and nutrient intakes during pregnancy.

Methods

Prospective data were obtained for 179 Australian women from the Women and Their Children's Health Study. A validated food frequency questionnaire was used at 18–24 and 36–40 weeks of gestation to quantify diet and portion size during the previous 3 months of pregnancy. Nutrient intakes were compared with Australian Nutrient Reference Values (NRVs). GWG was measured up to 36 weeks and compared with the Institute of Medicine weight gain recommendations (WtAdh).

Results

In multivariate regression models, portion size factor (PSF) was positively associated with GWG in women with high socio‐economic status (SES; β = 0.20, P = 0.04) and those with an overweight/obese pre‐pregnancy body mass index (BMI) (β = 0.28, P = 0.04). PSF uniquely accounted for 8.2% and 3.7% of the variability in GWG for women with high SES and overweight/obese pre‐pregnancy BMIs, respectively. Nutrient intakes and PSF were similar regardless of WtAdh. Women achieved NRVs for calcium and zinc in all PSF categories. Most of the women with large PSF still failed to achieve the NRVs for folate (95.7%), iron (89.6%) and fibre (85.5%).

Conclusions

All women require advice on quality food choices during pregnancy to optimise health outcomes. Targeting portion size alone is insufficient to manage GWG but may prove to be a valuable tool in pregnant women of high SES and/or those who are overweight/obese pre‐pregnancy.
Exploring Placentophagy in Humans: Problems and Recommendations
Authors: Marraccini Marisa E. , Gorman Kathleen S.
Published: August 2015

Placentophagy, the practice of afterbirth ingestion among humans, has grown among middle‐class, white women in Western societies. Although the reasons for placentophagy are varied, it is generally promoted as a means to help postpartum women stabilize mood, enhance recovery, and increase milk production. Virtually no studies have explored the effects of placentophagy on humans, and several researchers have called for studies examining the effects of human placentophagy. However, prior to examining the effects of placentophagy, a number of methodological issues need to be addressed. The present review explores research examining the effects of placentophagy in animals and humans and presents the theoretical assumptions behind placentophagy and its effects. Methodological issues related to placentophagy research are clarified, and existing research related to the nutritional and hormonal components of the placenta and their effects on milk production and postpartum depression are reviewed. Finally, implications and recommendations for future research are discussed.
Nurse perceptions of the Nursing Delirium Screening Scale in two palliative care inpatient units: a focus group study
Authors: Hosie Annmarie , Lobb Elizabeth , Agar Meera , Davidson Patricia M , Chye Richard , Phillips Jane
Published: August 2015

Aims and objectives

To explore nurse perceptions of the feasibility of integrating the Nursing Delirium Screening Scale into practice within the inpatient palliative care setting.

Background

Delirium occurs frequently in palliative care inpatient populations, yet is under‐recognised. Exploring feasibility of delirium screening tools in this setting can provide insights into how recognition can be improved.

Design

This was a qualitative study using a focus group methodology.

Method

Four semi‐structured focus groups were conducted with 21 nurses working in two Australian palliative care units. Focus groups were digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic content analysis was used to analyse the data.

Results

Three major themes were identified: (1) Delirium screening using the Nursing Delirium Screening Scale is feasible, but then what? (2) Nuances, ambiguity and clinical complexity; and (3) Implementing structured processes requires firmer foundations. Themes describe how nurses perceived the Nursing Delirium Screening Scale to be an easy and brief screening tool which raised their awareness of delirium. They were largely willing to adopt it into practice, yet had uncertainty and misunderstandings of the tool specifically and delirium screening generally, application in a palliative care context, interventions for delirium and impact of screening on medical practice.

Conclusion

The Nursing Delirium Screening Scale is feasible for use in a palliative care inpatient setting, but requires investigation of its psychometric properties before routine use in this patient population.

Relevance to clinical practice

Nurses require understanding of delirium, tailored guidance and a united approach with doctors to support their effective use of a delirium screening tool in the palliative care unit. Delirium practice change in this setting will also require nurses to become more active leaders and collaborators within their interdisciplinary teams.
Genetic structure and post‐glacial expansion ofCornus floridaL. (Cornaceae): integrative evidence from phylogeography, population demographic history, and species distribution modeling
Authors: Call Ashley , Sun Yan‐Xia , Yu Yan , Pearman Peter B. , Thomas David T. , Trigiano Robert N. , Carbone Ignazio , Xiang Qiu‐Yun (Jenny)
Published: August 2015

Repeated global climatic cooling and warming cycles during the Pleistocene played a major role in the distribution and evolution of the Earth biota. Here, we integrate phylogeography, coalescent‐based Bayesian estimation of demographic history, and species distribution modeling (SDM) to understand the genetic patterns and biogeography of the flowering dogwood,Cornus floridasubsp.floridaL., since the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). Natural populations of the species are severely threatened by dogwood anthracnose. We genotyped 306 plants from 73 locations of the species across most of its native distribution with three DNA regions from the plastid genome,ndhF‐rpl32,rps16andtrnQ‐rps16. The genealogy and haplotype network reconstruction revealed two haplotype lineages diverging ≈3.70 million years ago. We detected no clear geographic structuring of genetic variation, although significant local structure appeared to be evident, likely due to a combination of substantial localized seed dispersal by small mammals and small population size/limited sampling at a location. The spatial distribution of haplotype frequencies, estimated population demographic history, and results from hindcasting analysis using SDM suggested refugia in southeastern North America and population reduction during the LGM, followed by rapid post‐glacial expansion to the north. Forecasting analysis using SDM predicted range shifts to the north under ongoing global warming. Our results further suggested that gene flow via seed dispersal has been high but insufficient to counter the effect of genetic drift. This study demonstrates the benefit of integrating genetic data and species distribution modeling to obtain corroborative evidence in elucidating recent biogeographic history and understanding of genetic patterns and species evolution.
Evolutionary stasis in pollen morphogenesis due to natural selection
Authors: Matamoro‐Vidal Alexis , Prieu Charlotte , Furness Carol A. , Albert Béatrice , Gouyon Pierre‐Henri
Published: August 2015

The contribution of developmental constraints and selective forces to the determination of evolutionary patterns is an important and unsolved question. We test whether the long‐term evolutionary stasis observed for pollen morphogenesis (microsporogenesis) in eudicots is due to developmental constraints or to selection on a morphological trait shaped by microsporogenesis: the equatorial aperture pattern. Most eudicots have three equatorial apertures but several taxa have independently lost the equatorial pattern and have microsporogenesis decoupled from aperture pattern determination. If selection on the equatorial pattern limits variation, we expect to see increased variation in microsporogenesis in the nonequatorial clades.

Variation of microsporogenesis was studied using phylogenetic comparative analyses in 83 species dispersed throughout eudicots including species with and without equatorial apertures.

The species that have lost the equatorial pattern have highly variable microsporogenesis at the intra‐individual and inter‐specific levels regardless of their pollen morphology, whereas microsporogenesis remains stable in species with the equatorial pattern.

The observed burst of variation upon loss of equatorial apertures shows that there are no strong developmental constraints precluding variation in microsporogenesis, and that the stasis is likely to be due principally to selective pressure acting on pollen morphogenesis because of its implication in the determination of the equatorial aperture pattern.
Inverse relationship between body mass index and mortality in older nursing home residents: a meta‐analysis of 19,538 elderly subjects
Authors: Veronese N. , Cereda E. , Solmi M. , Fowler S. A. , Manzato E. , Maggi S. , Manu P. , Abe E. , Hayashi K. , Allard J. P. , Arendt B. M. , Beck A. , Chan M. , Audrey Y. J. P. , Lin W.‐Y. , Hsu H.‐S. , Lin C.‐C. , Diekmann R. , Kimyagarov S. , Miller M. , Cameron I. D. , Pitkälä K. H. , Lee J. , Woo J. , Nakamura K. , Smiley D. , Umpierrez G. , Rondanelli M. , Sund‐Levander M. , Valentini L. , Schindler K. , Törmä J. , Volpato S. , Zuliani G. , Wong M. , Lok K. , Kane J. M. , Sergi G. , Correll C. U.
Published: August 2015

Body mass index (BMI) and mortality in old adults from the general population have been related in a U‐shaped or J‐shaped curve. However, limited information is available for elderly nursing home populations, particularly about specific cause of death. A systematic PubMed/EMBASE/CINAHL/SCOPUS search until 31 May 2014 without language restrictions was conducted. As no published study reported mortality in standard BMI groups (<18.5, 18.5–24.9, 25–29.9, ≥30 kg/m2), the most adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) according to a pre‐defined list of covariates were obtained from authors and pooled by random‐effect model across each BMI category. Out of 342 hits, 20 studies including 19,538 older nursing home residents with 5,223 deaths during a median of 2 years of follow‐up were meta‐analysed. Compared with normal weight, all‐cause mortality HRs were 1.41 (95% CI = 1.26–1.58) for underweight, 0.85 (95% CI = 0.73–0.99) for overweight and 0.74 (95% CI = 0.57–0.96) for obesity. Underweight was a risk factor for higher mortality caused by infections (HR = 1.65 [95% CI = 1.13–2.40]). RR results corroborated primary HR results, with additionally lower infection‐related mortality in overweight and obese than in normal‐weight individuals. Like in the general population, underweight is a risk factor for mortality in old nursing home residents. However, uniquely, not only overweight but also obesity is protective, which has relevant nutritional goal implications in this population/setting.
Determinants of sugar‐sweetened beverage consumption in young children: a systematic review
Authors: Mazarello Paes V. , Hesketh K. , O'Malley C. , Moore H. , Summerbell C. , Griffin S. , van Sluijs E. M. F. , Ong K. K. , Lakshman R.
Published: August 2015

Sugar‐sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption is associated with adverse health outcomes. Improved understanding of the determinants will inform effective interventions to reduce SSB consumption. A total of 46,876 papers were identified through searching eight electronic databases. Evidence from intervention (n = 13), prospective (n = 6) and cross‐sectional (n = 25) studies on correlates/determinants of SSB consumption was quality assessed and synthesized. Twelve correlates/determinants were associated with higher SSB consumption (child's preference for SSBs, TV viewing/screen time and snack consumption; parents' lower socioeconomic status, lower age, SSB consumption, formula milk feeding, early introduction of solids, using food as rewards, parental‐perceived barriers, attending out‐of‐home care and living near a fast food/convenience store). Five correlates/determinants were associated with lower SSB consumption (parental positive modelling, parents' married/co‐habiting, school nutrition policy, staff skills and supermarket nearby). There was equivocal evidence for child's age and knowledge, parental knowledge, skills, rules/restrictions and home SSB availability. Eight intervention studies targeted multi‐level (child, parents, childcare/preschool setting) determinants; four were effective. Four intervention studies targeted parental determinants; two were effective. One (effective) intervention targeted the preschool environment. There is consistent evidence to support potentially modifiable correlates/determinants of SSB consumption in young children acting at parental (modelling), child (TV viewing) and environmental (school policy) levels.
Tuning growth cycles of Brassica crops via natural antisense transcripts of BrFLC
Authors: Li Xiaorong , Zhang Shaofeng , Bai Jinjuan , He Yuke
Published: August 2015

Several oilseed and vegetable crops of Brassica are biennials that require a prolonged winter cold for flowering, a process called vernalization. FLOWERING LOCUS C (FLC) is a central repressor of flowering. Here, we report that the overexpression of natural antisense transcripts (NATs) of Brassica rapa FLC (BrFLC) greatly shortens plant growth cycles. In rapid‐, medium‐ and slow‐cycling crop types, there are four copies of the BrFLC genes, which show extensive variation in sequences and expression levels. In Bre, a biennial crop type that requires vernalization, five NATs derived from the BrFLC2 locus are rapidly induced under cold conditions, while all four BrFLC genes are gradually down‐regulated. The transgenic Bre lines overexpressing a long NAT of BrFLC2 do not require vernalization, resulting in a gradient of shortened growth cycles. Among them, a subset of lines both flower and set seeds as early as Yellow sarson, an annual crop type in which all four BrFLC genes have non‐sense mutations and are nonfunctional in flowering repression. Our results demonstrate that the growth cycles of biennial crops of Brassica can be altered by changing the expression levels of BrFLC2 NATs. Thus, BrFLC2 NATs and their transgenic lines are useful for the genetic manipulation of crop growth cycles.
Delusions, Acceptances, and Cognitive Feelings
Authors: Dub Richard
Published: August 2015

Psychopathological delusions have a number of features that are curiously difficult to explain. Delusions are resistant to counterevidence and impervious to counterargument. Delusions are theoretically, affectively, and behaviorally circumscribed: delusional individuals often do not act on their delusions and often do not update beliefs on the basis of their delusions. Delusional individuals are occasionally able to distinguish their delusions from other beliefs, sometimes speaking of their “delusional reality.” To explain these features, I offer a model according to which, contrary to appearances, delusions are not beliefs at all. Delusions are acceptances that are generated by pathologically powerful cognitive feelings. This model has implications for the way that we should think about non‐pathological doxastic states and emotions.
High nuclear expression of protein arginine methyltransferase‐5 is a potentially useful marker to estimate submucosal invasion in endoscopically resected early colorectal carcinoma
Authors: Pak Min Gyoung , Lee Hyoun Wook , Roh Mee Sook
Published: August 2015

Protein arginine methyltransferase‐5 (PRMT5), a major type II arginine methyltransferase, is an important epigenetic modifier with oncogene‐like properties because of its ability to repress the expression of tumor suppressor genes. We determined the correlations between PRMT5 expression or its cellular localization and malignant progression, with special reference to invasiveness, in colorectal adenomas and early colorectal carcinomas (CRCs). We performed immunohistochemical detection of PRMT5 in 108 endoscopically resected tissue samples (6 adenomas with low‐grade dysplasia, 34 adenomas with high‐grade dysplasia, 30 intramucosal carcinomas, and 38 submucosal invasive carcinomas). Early CRC (55 of 68, 80.9%) showed more frequent nuclear expression of PRMT5 than adenoma (15 of 40, 37.5%) (P < 0.001). Furthermore, high (strong staining in ≥ 50% of nuclei) nuclear expression of PRMT5 was more common in submucosal invasive carcinoma (21 of 38, 55.3%) than in intramucosal carcinoma (9 of 30, 30.0%) (P = 0.037). In conclusion, our data suggests that high nuclear expression of PRMT5 is a potentially useful marker for estimating submucosal invasion of early CRC in endoscopically resected specimens.
Basic biology and role of interleukin‐17 in immunity and inflammation
Authors: Zenobia Camille , Hajishengallis George
Published: August 2015

Interleukin‐17 (also known as interleukin‐17A) is a key cytokine that links T‐cell activation to neutrophil mobilization and activation. As such, interleukin‐17 can mediate protective innate immunity to pathogens or contribute to the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases, such as psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis. This review summarizes the basic biology of interleukin‐17 and discusses its emerging role in periodontal disease. The current burden of evidence from human and animal model studies suggests that the net effect of interleukin‐17 signaling promotes disease development. In addition to promoting neutrophilic inflammation, interleukin‐17 has potent pro‐osteoclastogenic effects that are likely to contribute to the pathogenesis of periodontitis, rheumatoid arthritis and other diseases involving bone immunopathology. Systemic treatments with anti‐interleukin‐17 biologics have shown promising results in clinical trials for psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis; however, their impact on the highly prevalent periodontal disease has not been investigated or reported. Future clinical trials, preferably using locally administered interleukin‐17 blockers, are required to implicate conclusivelyinterleukin‐17 in periodontitis and, more importantly, to establish an effective adjunctive treatment for this oral inflammatory disease.
Periodontal herpesviruses: prevalence, pathogenicity, systemic risk
Authors: Slots Jørgen
Published: August 2015

Periodontitis is an infectious/inflammatory disease characterized by the loss of periodontal ligament and alveolar bone. Herpesviruses are frequent inhabitants of periodontitis lesions, and the periodontopathogenicity of these viruses is the topic of this review. In 26 recent studies from 15 countries, subgingival cytomegalovirus, Epstein–Barr virus and herpes simplex virus type 1, respectively, yielded median prevalences of 49%, 45% and 63% in aggressive periodontitis, 40%, 32% and 45% in chronic periodontitis, and 3%, 7% and 12% in healthy periodontium. An active herpesvirus infection of the periodontium exhibits site specificity, is a potent stimulant of cellular immunity, may cause upgrowth of periodontopathic bacteria and tends to be related to disease‐active periodontitis. Pro‐inflammatory cytokines induced by the herpesvirus infection may activate matrix metalloproteinases and osteoclasts, leading to breakdown of the tooth‐supportive tissues. The notion that a co‐infection of herpesviruses and specific bacteria causes periodontitis provides a plausible etiopathogenic explanation for the disease. Moreover, herpesvirus virions from periodontal sites may dislodge into saliva or enter the systemic circulation and cause diseases beyond the periodontium. Periodontal treatment can diminish significantly the periodontal load of herpesviruses, which may lower the incidence and magnitude of herpesvirus dissemination within and between individuals, and subsequently the risk of acquiring a variety of medical diseases. Novel and more effective approaches to the prevention and treatment of periodontitis and related diseases may depend on a better understanding of the herpesvirus–bacteria–immune response axis.
Microbial protection and virulence in periodontal tissue as a function of polymicrobial communities: symbiosis and dysbiosis
Authors: Roberts Frank A. , Darveau Richard P.
Published: August 2015

This review discusses polymicrobial interactions with the host in both health and disease. As our ability to identify specific bacterial clonal types, with respect to their abundance and location in the oral biofilm, improves, we will learn more concerning their contribution to both oral health and disease. Recent studies examining host– bacteria interactions have revealed that commensal bacteria not only protect the host simply by niche occupation, but that bacterial interactions with host tissue can promote the development of proper tissue structure and function. These data indicate that our host‐associated polymicrobial communities, such as those found in the oral cavity, co‐evolved with us and have become an integral part of who we are. Understanding the microbial community factors that underpin the associations with host tissue that contribute to periodontal health may also reveal how dysbiotic periodontopathic oral communities disrupt normal periodontal tissue functions in disease. A disruption of the oral microbial community creates dysbiosis, either by overgrowth of specific or nonspecific microorganisms or by changes in the local host response where the community can now support a disease state. Dysbiosis provides the link between systemic changes (e.g. diabetes) and exogenous risk factors (e.g. smoking), and the dysbiotic community, and can drive the destruction of periodontal tissue. Many other risk factors associated with periodontal disease, such as stress, aging and genetics, are also likely to affect the microbial community, and more research is needed, utilizing sophisticated bacterial taxonomic techniques, to elucidate these effects on the microbiome and to develop strategies to target the dysbiotic mechanisms and improve periodontal health.
The role of natural killer cells in periodontitis
Authors: Wilensky Asaf , Chaushu Stella , Shapira Lior
Published: August 2015

Periodontitis is the most common chronic inflammatory disease of humans. The microbial etiology of the disease is well documented, as is the major role of the host response in disease pathogenesis. As natural killer cells are one of the most important components of innate immunity against bacteria and viruses, they can be expected to act as major players in the development of the disease. Through direct interaction with periodontal pathogens, natural killer cells produce pro‐inflammatory cytokines that subsequently may lead to tissue destruction. Indeed, using a murine periodontitis model, such mechanisms have been shown to be involved in bacterial‐induced alveolar bone loss. In the present review we document the available literature and evidence base regarding the origin, biology and characteristics of natural killer cells, and their interactions with periodontal pathogens. The potential role of natural killer cells in periodontal pathogenesis and the mechanisms involved are discussed.
Diverse functions of defensins and other antimicrobial peptides in periodontal tissues
Authors: Dommisch Henrik , Jepsen Søren
Published: August 2015

Defensins are antimicrobial peptides that exhibit direct microbicidal activity as well as mediator‐like functions by, for example, activating immature dendritic cells. This review focuses on defensins and other antimicrobial peptides that are present in periodontal tissues. Their antimicrobial capacity against periodontal microorganisms, their regulation and their expression profiles during periodontal diseases is discussed. As antimicrobial peptides may possess great potential for new diagnostic, preventive and therapeutic strategies, a better understanding of how antimicrobial peptides are regulated as part of the innate host immune response is crucial.
Mini but mighty: microRNAs in the pathobiology of periodontal disease
Authors: Kebschull Moritz , Papapanou Panos N.
Published: August 2015

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a family of small, noncoding RNA molecules that negatively regulate protein expression either by inhibiting initiation of the translation of mRNA or by inducing the degradation of mRNA molecules. Accumulating evidence suggests that miRNA‐mediated repression of protein expression is of paramount importance in a broad range of physiologic and pathologic conditions. In particular, miRNA‐induced dysregulation of molecular processes involved in inflammatory pathways has been shown to contribute to the development of chronic inflammatory diseases. In this review, first of all we provide an overview of miRNA biogenesis, the main mechanisms of action and the miRNA profiling tools currently available. Then, we summarize the available evidence supporting a specific role for miRNAs in the pathobiology of periodontitis. Based on a review of available data on the differential expression of miRNAs in gingival tissues in states of periodontal health and disease, we address specific roles for miRNAs in molecular and cellular pathways causally linked to periodontitis. Our review points to several lines of evidence suggesting the involvement of miRNAs in periodontal tissue homeostasis and pathology. Although the intricate regulatory networks affected by miRNA function are still incompletely mapped, further utilization of systems biology tools is expected to enhance our understanding of the pathobiology of periodontitis.
Factorial combinations of protein interactions generate a multiplicity of florigen activation complexes in wheat and barley
Authors: Li Chengxia , Lin Huiqiong , Dubcovsky Jorge
Published: August 2015

The FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) protein is a central component of a mobile flowering signal (florigen) that is transported from leaves to the shoot apical meristem (SAM). Two FT monomers and two DNA‐binding bZIP transcription factors interact with a dimeric 14‐3‐3 protein bridge to form a hexameric protein complex. This complex, designated as the ‘florigen activation complex’ (FAC), plays a critical role in flowering. The wheat homologue of FT, designated FT1 (= VRN3), activates expression of VRN1 in the leaves and the SAM, promoting flowering under inductive long days. In this study, we show that FT1, other FT‐like proteins, and different FD‐like proteins, can interact with multiple wheat and barley 14‐3‐3 proteins. We also identify the critical amino acid residues in FT1 and FD‐like proteins required for their interactions, and demonstrate that 14‐3‐3 proteins are necessary bridges to mediate the FT1–TaFDL2 interaction. Using in vivo bimolecular fluorescent complementation (BiFC) assays, we demonstrate that the interaction between FT1 and 14‐3‐3 occurs in the cytoplasm, and that this complex is then translocated to the nucleus, where it interacts with TaFDL2 to form a FAC. We also demonstrate that a FAC including FT1, TaFDL2 and Ta14‐3‐3C can bind to the VRN1 promoter in vitro. Finally, we show that relative transcript levels of FD‐like and 14‐3‐3 genes vary among tissues and developmental stages. Since FD‐like proteins determine the DNA specificity of the FACs, variation in FD‐like gene expression can result in spatial and temporal modulation of the effects of mobile FT‐like signals.
Endocytosis of Ubiquitylation‐Deficient EGFR Mutants via Clathrin‐Coated Pits is Mediated by Ubiquitylation
Authors: Fortian Arola , Dionne Lai K. , Hong Sun H. , Kim Woong , Gygi Steven P. , Watkins Simon C. , Sorkin Alexander
Published: August 2015

Signaling by epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is controlled by endocytosis. However, mechanisms of EGFR endocytosis remain poorly understood. Here, we found that the EGFR mutant lacking known ubiquitylation, acetylation and clathrin adaptor AP‐2‐binding sites (21KRΔAP2) was internalized at relatively high rates via the clathrin‐dependent pathway in human duodenal adenocarcinoma HuTu‐80 cells. RNA interference analysis revealed that this residual internalization is strongly inhibited by depletion of Grb2 and the E2 ubiquitin‐conjugating enzyme UbcH5b/c, and partially affected by depletion of the E3 ubiquitin ligase Cbl and ubiquitin‐binding adaptors, indicating that an ubiquitylation process is involved. Several new ubiquitin conjugation sites were identified by mass spectrometry in the 21KRΔAP2 mutant, suggesting that cryptic ubiquitylation may mediate endocytosis of this mutant. Total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy imaging of HuTu‐80 cells transfected with labeled ubiquitin adaptor epsin1 demonstrated that the ubiquitylation‐deficient EGFR mutant was endocytosed through a limited population of epsin‐enriched clathrin‐coated pits (CCPs), although with a prolonged CCP lifetime. Native EGFR was recruited with the same efficiency into CCPs containing either AP‐2 or epsin1 that were tagged with fluorescent proteins by genome editing of MDA‐MD‐231 cells. We propose that two redundant mechanisms, ubiquitylation and interaction with AP‐2, contribute to EGFR endocytosis via CCPs in a stochastic fashion.
The metacommunicative lexicon of Nigerian Pidgin
Authors: HEYD THERESA
Published: August 2015

This paper reports on a specific lexical field of Nigerian Pidgin (NgP), namely its metacommunicative lexicon. Based on a corpus approach, the study identifies a set of lexical items that refer to acts of communication, in particular verbs of speaking and folk‐linguistic labels for varieties and registers that pertain to the use of NgP. This study contributes to our understanding of lexical usage in NgP, a field that is less documented than its phonology and syntax. The metalinguistic lexicon of NgP is also instrumental in performing ‘enregisterment talk’ on two levels: how individual speakers position themselves in interaction, and how the overall Nigerian language ecology and legitimate ways of being a Nigerian speaker are constructed.
Fluid simulation of the bias effect in inductive/capacitive discharges
Authors: Zhang Yu-Ru , Gao Fei , Li Xue-Chun , Bogaerts Annemie , Wang You-Nian
Published: August 2015

Computer simulations are performed for an argon inductively coupled plasma (ICP) with a capacitive radio-frequency bias power, to investigate the bias effect on the discharge mode transition and on the plasma characteristics at various ICP currents, bias voltages, and bias frequencies. When the bias frequency is fixed at 13.56 MHz and the ICP current is low, e.g., 6 A, the spatiotemporal averaged plasma density increases monotonically with bias voltage, and the bias effect is already prominent at a bias voltage of 90 V. The maximum of the ionization rate moves toward the bottom electrode, which indicates clearly the discharge mode transition in inductive/capacitive discharges. At higher ICP currents, i.e., 11 and 13 A, the plasma density decreases first and then increases with bias voltage, due to the competing mechanisms between the ion acceleration power dissipation and the capacitive power deposition. At 11 A, the bias effect is still important, but it is noticeable only at higher bias voltages. At 13 A, the ionization rate is characterized by a maximum at the reactor center near the dielectric window at all selected bias voltages, which indicates that the ICP power, instead of the bias power, plays a dominant role under this condition, and no mode transition is observed. Indeed, the ratio of the bias power to the total power is lower than 0.4 over a wide range of bias voltages, i.e., 0–300 V. Besides the effect of ICP current, also the effect of various bias frequencies is investigated. It is found that the modulation of the bias power to the spatiotemporal distributions of the ionization rate at 2 MHz is strikingly different from the behavior observed at higher bias frequencies. Furthermore, the minimum of the plasma density appears at different bias voltages, i.e., 120 V at 2 MHz and 90 V at 27.12 MHz.
A highly directional transducer for multipath mitigation in high-frequency underwater acoustic communications
Authors: Freeman Simon E. , Emokpae Lloyd , Nicholas Michael , Edelmann Geoffrey F.
Published: August 2015

This paper presents a transducer design of the hollow cylinder type designed to minimize transmission multipath and the need for channel equalization over short acoustic communication distances in shallow water. Operating at 750 kHz, the half-maximum envelope of the main lobe is approximately 3°. The transducer was incorporated into a low-complexity modem system in which it acted as both transmitter and receiver. At-sea testing indicated that the system is capable of operating over horizontal distances of 5 m without evidence of multipath distortion. The system was also found to be effective as an omnidirectional transmitter/receiver in the 10–60 kHz band.
Complete Genome Sequence of Bacillus megaterium Siphophage Stills
Authors: Lee Simon S. , Kongari Rohit R. , Hernandez Adriana C. , Kuty Everett Gabriel F.
Published: August 2015

Bacillus megaterium
is a soil-dwelling bacterium frequently used in research as a model organism and in industry in protein production applications. Bacteriophages may be used to enhance the use of this bacterium. Here, we describe the complete genome of
B. megaterium
siphophage Stills and its core features.
Draft Genome Sequence for ICMP 5702, the Type Strain of Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp.carotovorumThat Causes Soft Rot Disease on Potato
Authors: Panda Preetinanda , Lu Ashley , Armstrong Karen F. , Pitman Andrew R.
Published: August 2015

Pectobacteriumspecies are economically important bacteria that cause soft rotting of potato tubers in the field and in storage. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of the type strain forP. carotovorumsubsp.carotovorum, ICMP 5702 (ATCC 15713). The genome sequence of ICMP 5702 will provide an important reference for future phylogenomic and taxonomic studies of the phytopathogenicEnterobacteriaceae.