bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early integration of palliative care in hospitals: A systematic review on methods, barriers, and outcome
Authors: Dalgaard Karen Marie , Bergenholtz Heidi , Nielsen Marianne Espenhain , Timm Helle
Published: March 2014

Objective:

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), palliative care (PC) should be available to everyone suffering from life-threatening diseases and should be started early on in the illness trajectory. However, PC is often initiated much later and is restricted to cancer patients. There is a need for more knowledge about how early PC can be implemented in clinical practice. The purpose of our study was to document the best evidence on methods for early identification (EI) of palliative trajectories in cancer, chronic heart failure (CHF), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) populations, and to identify preconditions for early integration of general PC in hospitals and outcomes for patients and relatives.

Method:

A comprehensive systematic review of methods, preconditions, and outcomes was conducted via an electronic literature search of publications between 2002 and September 2012. A final sample of 44 papers was reviewed in detail.

Results:

Our study identified disease-specific and general methods for EI of patients who might benefit from PC. Prognostication of end-stage disease based on (holistic) clinical judgment, prognostic factors, and/or care needs are the most frequently recommended methods. A number of interacting disease-, staff-, user-, and organization-specific barriers need to be overcome in order to implement early integration of PC in clinical practice. Early integration of PC may lead to better symptom management, prolonged survival, and better quality of life.

Significance of Results:

No methods can be recommended for routine clinical practice without further validation. There is an urgent need to develop and evaluate methods based on the holistic assessment of symptoms or needs. The barriers to early integration of PC are most extensive with regard to CHF and COPD. Professional training and education are recommended to facilitate early implementation of PC. The evidence about outcome is sparse and mostly relates to cancer populations receiving specialized PC.
Psychologists involved in cancer palliative care in Japan: A nationwide survey
Authors: Nakajima Kasumi , Iwamitsu Yumi , Matsubara Mei , Oba Akira , Hirai Kei , Morita Tatsuya , Kizawa Yoshiyuki
Published: March 2014

Objective:

The aim of this study was to clarify, using a nationwide survey, what is perceived as necessary knowledge and skills for psychologists involved in cancer palliative care in Japan, the expectations of medical staff members, and the degree to which these expectations are met.

Method:

We conducted a questionnaire survey of psychologists involved in cancer palliative care. A total of 419 psychologists from 403 facilities were asked to fill out the questionnaire and return it anonymously. Some 401 psychologists (89 males, 310 females, and 2 unspecified; mean age, 37.2  ±  9.5 years) responded about necessary knowledge and skills for psychologists working in cancer palliative care, the necessity for training, expectations at their current workplace, and the degree to which expectations are met.

Results:

More than 90% of participants responded that many kinds of knowledge and skills related to the field of cancer palliative care are necessary. Over 80% of participants indicated a necessity for training related to these knowledge and skills. Although more than 50% (range, 50.1–85.8%) of participants responded that such services as “cooperation with medical staff within a hospital,” “handling patients for whom psychological support would be beneficial,” and “assessment of patients' mental state” were expected at their workplace, fewer than 60% (31.4–56.9%) responded that they actually performed these roles.

Significance of Results:

Our results show that many psychologists in cancer palliative care feel unable to respond to the expectations at their current workplace and that they require more adequate knowledge and skills related to cancer palliative care to work effectively. No other nationwide surveys have generated this type of information in Japan, so we believe that the results of our study are uniquely important.
Investigation of the microbial metabolism of carbon dioxide and hydrogen in the kangaroo foregut by stable isotope probing
Authors: Godwin Scott , Kang Alicia , Gulino Lisa-Maree , Manefield Mike , Gutierrez-Zamora Maria-Luisa , Kienzle Marco , Ouwerkerk Diane , Dawson Kerri , Klieve Athol V
Published: March 2014

Kangaroos ferment forage material in an enlarged forestomach analogous to the rumen, but in contrast to ruminants, they produce little or no methane. The objective of this study was to identify the dominant organisms and pathways involved in hydrogenotrophy in the kangaroo forestomach, with the broader aim of understanding how these processes are able to predominate over methanogenesis. Stable isotope analysis of fermentation end products and RNA stable isotope probing (RNA-SIP) were used to investigate the organisms and biochemical pathways involved in the metabolism of hydrogen and carbon dioxide in the kangaroo forestomach. Our results clearly demonstrate that the activity of bacterial reductive acetogens is a key factor in the reduced methane output of kangaroos. In in vitro fermentations, the microbial community of the kangaroo foregut produced very little methane, but produced a significantly greater proportion of acetate derived from carbon dioxide than the microbial community of the bovine rumen. A bacterial operational taxonomic unit closely related to the known reductive acetogen Blautia coccoides was found to be associated with carbon dioxide and hydrogen metabolism in the kangaroo foregut. Other bacterial taxa including members of the genera Prevotella, Oscillibacter and Streptococcus that have not previously been reported as containing hydrogenotrophic organisms were also significantly associated with metabolism of hydrogen and carbon dioxide in the kangaroo forestomach.
Noncovalent functionalization of multi-walled carbon nanotubes as metal-free catalysts for the reduction of nitrobenzene
Authors: Gu Xianmo , Qi Wei , Wu Shuchang , Sun Zhenhua , Xu Xianzhu , Su Dangsheng
Published: March 2014

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes were functionalized noncovalently with small organic molecules containing specific ketonic carbonyl groups. The comparison of intrinsic activities for a series of catalysts indicates that carbonyl groups are active sites in the reduction of nitrobenzene.
Preparation of antiferromagnetic Co3O4 nanoparticles from two different precursors by pyrolytic method: in vitro antimicrobial activity
Authors: Ghosh Totan , Dash Sandeep Kumar , Chakraborty Prateeti , Guha Averi , Kawaguchi Kenji , Roy Somenath , Chattopadhyay Tanmay , Das Debasis
Published: March 2014

Two varieties of Co3O4 nano particles (Co3O4-I and Co3O4-II) have been synthesized from two different precursors using a pyrolytic technique and their magnetic and in vitro antimicrobial activity have been investigated.
A mechanistic study on amphiphilic block co-polymer poly(butadiene-b-(ethylene oxide)) vesicles reveals the water permeation mechanism through a polymeric bilayer
Authors: He Fang , Tong Yen Wah
Published: March 2014

The mechanistic study of a diblock copolymer reveals that the osmotic permeation mechanism correlates with chain rigidity, specifically bending rigidity modulus.
Sensitive detection of iodine by low pressure and short pulse laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS)
Authors: Zhang Xiaobo , Deguchi Yoshihiro , Wang Zhenzhen , Yan Junjie , Liu Jiping
Published: March 2014

Iodine in buffer gases of air and N2was measured under various conditions including different wavelengths, laser powers, pulse widths and pressures to compare the detection characteristics of low pressure and short pulse LIBS.
Helical metallic micro- and nanostructures: fabrication and application
Authors: Liu Lichun , Zhang Liqiu , Kim Sang Min , Park Sungho
Published: March 2014

This review paper specifically focuses on the fabrication and application of helical metallic structures with a size ranging from the micro- to nanoscale.
Microsystem-assisted synthesis of carbon dots with fluorescent and colorimetric properties for pH detection
Authors: Pedro S. Gómez-de , Salinas-Castillo A. , Ariza-Avidad M. , Lapresta-Fernández A. , Sánchez-González C. , Martínez-Cisneros C. S. , Puyol M. , Capitan-Vallvey L. F. , Alonso-Chamarro J.
Published: March 2014

The paper describes the use of a microfluidic system to synthesize carbon dots and their use as optical pH sensors.
Metal-free synthesis of 1,3,5-trisubstituted benzenes by the cyclotrimerization of enaminones or alkynes in water
Authors: Wan Jie-Ping , Lin Yunfang , Hu Kaikai , Liu Yunyun
Published: March 2014

The trimeric cyclization reactions of enaminones proceed efficiently in water to provide C3 symmetric benzenes in the presence of lactic acid.
Water-assisted low temperature plasma ionization source for sensitive detection of explosives
Authors: Chen Wendong , Hou Keyong , Hua Lei , Xiong Xingchuang , Li Haiyang
Published: March 2014

A water-assisted low temperature plasma (WALTP) ionization source based on a quartz T shaped tube was developed for a miniature rectilinear ion trap mass spectrometer to sensitively detect explosives at low picogram level.
Cyclic performance of CaCO3@mSiO2 for CO2 capture in a calcium looping cycle
Authors: Li Chien-Cheng , Wu Ui-Ting , Lin Hong-Ping
Published: March 2014

A high-stability CaCO3@mesoporous silica sorbent in a calcium looping cycle was prepared by using a simple one-pot synthesis route.
Full-Heusler Co2FeSi alloy thin films with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy induced by MgO-interfaces
Authors: Takamura Yota , Suzuki Takahiro , Fujino Yorinobu , Nakagawa Shigeki
Published: March 2014

A 100-nm-thick L21-ordered full-Heusler Co2FeSi (CFS) alloy film was fabricated using the facing targets sputtering (FTS) method at a substrate temperature TS of 300 °C. The degrees of L21- and B2-order for the film were 37% and 96%, respectively. In addition, full-Heusler CFS alloy thin films with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) induced by the magnetic anisotropy of MgO-interfaces were also successfully fabricated using the FTS method. The CFS/MgO stacked layers exhibited PMA when the CFS layer had a thickness of 0.6 nm ≤ dCFS ≤ 1.0 nm. The PMA in these structures resulted from the CFS/MgO interfacial perpendicular magnetic anisotropy.
2D electron temperature diagnostic using soft x-ray imaging technique
Authors: Nishimura K. , Sanpei A. , Tanaka H. , Ishii G. , Kodera R. , Ueba R. , Himura H. , Masamune S. , Ohdachi S. , Mizuguchi N.
Published: March 2014

We have developed a two-dimensional (2D) electron temperature (Te) diagnostic system for thermal structure studies in a low-aspect-ratio reversed field pinch (RFP). The system consists of a soft x-ray (SXR) camera with two pin holes for two-kinds of absorber foils, combined with a high-speed camera. Two SXR images with almost the same viewing area are formed through different absorber foils on a single micro-channel plate (MCP). A 2D Te image can then be obtained by calculating the intensity ratio for each element of the images. We have succeeded in distinguishing Te image in quasi-single helicity (QSH) from that in multi-helicity (MH) RFP states, where the former is characterized by concentrated magnetic fluctuation spectrum and the latter, by broad spectrum of edge magnetic fluctuations.
Investigation of the interaction of a turbulent impinging jet and a heated, rotating disk
Authors: Manceau R. , Perrin R. , Hadžiabdić M. , Benhamadouche S.
Published: March 2014

The case of a turbulent round jet impinging perpendicularly onto a rotating, heated disc is investigated, in order to understand the mechanisms at the origin of the influence of rotation on the radial wall jet and associated heat transfer. The present study is based on the complementary use of an analysis of the orders of magnitude of the terms of the mean momentum and Reynolds stress transport equations, available experiments, and dedicated Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes computations with refined turbulence models. The Reynolds number Rej = 14 500, the orifice-to-plate distance H = 5D, where D is the jet-orifice diameter, and the four rotation rates were chosen to match the experiments of Minagawa and Obi [“Development of turbulent impinging jet on a rotating disk,” Int. J. Heat Fluid Flow 25, 759–766 (2004)] and comparisons are made with the Nusselt number distribution measured by Popiel and Boguslawski [“Local heat transfer from a rotating disk in an impinging round jet,” J. Heat Transfer 108, 357–364 (1986)], at a higher Reynolds number. The overestimation of turbulent mixing in the free-jet before the impact on the disk is detrimental to the prediction of the impingement region, in particular of the Nusselt number close to the symmetry axis, but the self-similar wall jet developing along the disk is correctly reproduced by the models. The analysis, experiments, and computations show that the rotational effect do not directly affect the outer layer, but only the inner layer of the wall jet. A noteworthy consequence is that entrainment at the outer edge of the wall jet is insensitive to rotation, which explains the dependence of the wall-jet thickness on the inverse of the non-dimensional rotation rate, observed in the experiments and the Reynolds stress model computations, but not reproduced by the eddy-viscosity models, due to the algebraic dependence to the mean flow. The analysis makes moreover possible the identification of a scenario for the appearance of rotational effects when the rotation rate is gradually increased. For weak rotation rates, the rotation-induced boundary layer appears but does not break the self-similar solution observed for the case without rotation. For intermediate rotation rates, the production of the azimuthal Reynolds stress becomes much stronger than other components, leading to a complete modification of the turbulence anisotropy which is reproduced only by Reynolds stress models. For strong rotation rates, centrifugal effects dominate, leading to an acceleration and thinning of the jet, and consequently an increase of turbulent production and heat transfer, reproduced by all the turbulence models.
A survey of solutions in a gravitational Born-Infeld theory
Authors: Chern Jann-Long , Yang Sze-Guang
Published: March 2014

An elliptic equation that arises from a cosmic string model with the action of the Born-Infeld nonlinear electromagnetism, is considered. We classify and establish the uniqueness of radially symmetric solutions.
An integrated design of microspeaker module with smaller volume
Authors: Xu Dan-Ping , Sun Peng , Kwon Joong-Hak , Hwang Sang-Moon
Published: March 2014

Microspeaker modules within mobile phones need to be smaller to offer competitive acoustic performance. Generally, a microspeaker module consists of a speaker unit and an enclosure. Typically, microspeaker module design focuses on miniaturization of either the speaker unit or the enclosure individually, using the other part of the module as a design constraint. However, it is difficult to maintain suitable acoustic performance when the total volume (sum of the back volume and the speaker unit) is significantly reduced. We adopted an integrated design method to overcome this issue. The electromagnetic characteristics of microspeaker were analyzed using the finite element method (FEM). According to the FEM, the average axial electromagnetic force per current increased 29%, and the total volume decreased 31% for the integrated design, as compared to the conventional design while maintaining the same perfect acoustic characteristics. The simulation results indicated that the module resonance frequency and sound pressure level are maintained in the integrated design. Prototypes were constructed to experimentally verify the simulation results.
Particle-in-cell simulations of laser beat-wave magnetization of dense plasmas
Authors: Welch D. R. , Genoni T. C. , Thoma C. , Rose D. V. , Hsu S. C.
Published: March 2014

The interaction of two lasers with a difference frequency near that of the ambient plasma frequency produces beat waves that can resonantly accelerate thermal electrons. These beat waves can be used to drive electron current and thereby embed magnetic fields into the plasma [Welch et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 109, 225002 (2012)]. In this paper, we present two-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations of the beat-wave current-drive process over a wide range of angles between the injected lasers, laser intensities, and plasma densities. We discuss the application of this technique to the magnetization of dense plasmas, motivated in particular by the problem of forming high-β plasma targets in a standoff manner for magneto-inertial fusion. The feasibility of a near-term experiment embedding magnetic fields using lasers with micron-scale wavelengths into a ∼1018 cm−3-density plasma is assessed.
Breaking the configurational anisotropy in Fe single crystal nanomagnets
Authors: Gomez A. , Cebollada F. , Palomares F. J. , Sanchez N. , Gonzalez E. M. , Gonzalez J. M. , Vicent J. L.
Published: March 2014

In this work, we improve the ability to tailor the switching mechanism in nanomagnets by introducing an additional, highly controlled source of anisotropy: magnetocrystalline anisotropy. We analyze the vortex dynamics in single crystal Fe nanotriangles with different orientations of the crystalline axes. By experimental studies and simulation, we show that the angular dependence of the vortex annihilation field springs from the convolution of the crystalline and configurational anisotropies. In contrast, the remanence and the nucleation field present a much simpler behavior controlled by the existence of a single symmetry axis when shape and crystalline orientation are taken into account.
Defects in epitaxial ScGaN: Dislocations, stacking faults, and cubic inclusions
Authors: Knoll S. M. , Rhode S. K. , Zhang S. , Joyce T. B. , Moram M. A.
Published: March 2014

The characteristic defect microstructure of epitaxial wurtzite ScxGa1−xN films on GaN was investigated. Threading dislocations in ScxGa1−xN are inclined with respect to [0001] to relieve in-plane compressive strains. However, increased densities of I1-type basal plane stacking faults and nanoscale lamellar zinc-blende inclusions in the (0001) plane occur with increasing x, in contrast to ScxAl1−xN. This behaviour occurs because the formation energy of the zinc-blende phase is close to that of the wurtzite phase for low Sc-content ScxGa1−xN but not for ScxAl1−xN.
Haematology and serum biochemistry of adult free-ranging mountain brushtail possums (Trichosurus cunninghami), including correlations with season, sex, age, habitat type and disease status
Authors: Hufschmid J. , Beveridge I. , Handasyde K. A.
Published: March 2014

For many wildlife species only limited data are available on haematology and blood biochemistry for free-ranging populations because these are often difficult to obtain. We collected blood samples from wild adult mountain brushtail possums (Trichosurus cunninghami) in the Strathbogie Ranges, Victoria (Australia), over two years, to provide reference values for haematological and some serum biochemical parameters (serum protein, sodium, chloride, potassium, urea, creatinine, creatine kinase and cortisol) for free-ranging animals. We also investigated patterns associated with sex, season, age, habitat type and disease status, including a form of skin disease (rumpwear – one of the major diseases of brushtail possums) and parasite loads. Values for several blood parameters correlated with sex, and most also changed significantly with season. Eosinophil counts increased significantly with the number of strongyle eggs in faeces, and packed cell volume decreased significantly with increasing numbers of ticks. Surprisingly, there was a significant negative relationship between mean population serum cortisol concentrations and the prevalence of rumpwear. Serum sodium and chloride concentrations were significantly lower in possums with moderate to severe rumpwear; however, the biological significance of this is unclear. While there is a growing body of data on the blood parameters of marsupials, these are mainly derived from captive animals, or single sample sets from wild populations, thus are unlikely to accurately reflect the changing status of wild animals/populations across seasons and under varying environmental conditions and parasite loads. More comprehensive, longer-term data from free-ranging marsupial populations, such as those presented here, provide extremely important reference data to aid in determining the health status of wild populations and interpreting data collected from individuals.
Immunophilin FKBP52 induces Tau-P301L filamentous assembly in vitro and modulates its activity in a model of tauopathy
Authors: Giustiniani Julien , Chambraud Béatrice , Sardin Elodie , Dounane Omar , Guillemeau Kevin , Nakatani Hiroko , Paquet Dominik , Kamah Amina , Landrieu Isabelle , Lippens Guy , Baulieu Etienne-Emile , Tawk Marcel
Published: March 2014

Significance

Growing evidence underlines the role attributed to abnormal forms of Tau in several neurodegenerative diseases known as tauopathies, including Alzheimer’s disease, which are characterized by accumulation of oligomers and filamentous Tau inclusions in the CNS. We identify a direct interaction of the immunophilin FK506-binding protein with a molecular mass of ∼52 kDa (FKBP52) and the pathological mutant of Tau containing a proline-to-leucine mutation at position 301 (Tau-P301L), inducing Tau-P301L oligomerization and assembly into filaments. This interaction has a considerable impact on the progress of the tauopathy because some early aspects of the disease are rescued, in vivo, by knocking down FKBP52. Our results open a new field for the study of FKBP52 pathophysiology in tauopathic dementias, including prediction of disease phenotype and search for new types of antipathological Tau treatments.
Genetic odyssey to generate marked clones in
Drosophila
mosaics
Authors: Griffin Ruth , Binari Richard , Perrimon Norbert
Published: March 2014

Significance

The phenotypic analysis of mosaic animals has made possible the study of complex biological processes. We review the various tools available to
Drosophila
researchers today, many of which use the Gal4-upstream activating system and Flippase recognition target systems, as well as the use of fluorescence proteins. Emphasis is on the contributions that our group has made over the years to the development of these methods.
A probabilistic approach to mixed boundary value problems for elliptic operators with singular coefficients
Authors: Chen Zhen-Qing , Zhang Tusheng
Published: March 2014

In this paper, we establish existence and uniqueness of solutions of a class of mixed boundary value problems for elliptic operators with singular coefficients. Our approach is probabilistic. The theory of Dirichlet forms plays an important role.
The phosphatidylserine receptor TIM4 utilizes integrins as coreceptors to effect phagocytosis
Authors: Flannagan Ronald S. , Canton Johnathan , Furuya Wendy , Glogauer Michael , Grinstein Sergio
Published: March 2014

T-cell immunoglobulin mucin protein 4 (TIM4), a phosphatidylserine (PtdSer)-binding receptor, mediates the phagocytosis of apoptotic cells. How TIM4 exerts its function is unclear, and conflicting data have emerged. To define the mode of action of TIM4, we used two distinct but complementary approaches: 1) we compared bone marrow–derived macrophages from wild-type and TIM4−/− mice, and 2) we heterologously expressed TIM4 in epithelioid AD293 cells, which rendered them competent for engulfment of PtdSer-bearing targets. Using these systems, we demonstrate that rather than serving merely as a tether, as proposed earlier by others, TIM4 is an active participant in the phagocytic process. Furthermore, we find that TIM4 operates independently of lactadherin, which had been proposed to act as a bridging molecule. Of interest, TIM4-driven phagocytosis depends on the activation of integrins and involves stimulation of Src-family kinases and focal adhesion kinase, as well as the localized accumulation of phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate. These mediators promote recruitment of the nucleotide-exchange factor Vav3, which in turn activates small Rho-family GTPases. Gene silencing or ablation experiments demonstrated that RhoA, Rac1, and Rac2 act synergistically to drive the remodeling of actin that underlies phagocytosis. Single-particle detection experiments demonstrated that TIM4 and β1 integrins associate upon receptor clustering. These findings support a model in which TIM4 engages integrins as coreceptors to evoke the signal transduction needed to internalize PtdSer-bearing targets such as apoptotic cells.
Physical, Chemical, and Sensory Properties of Antioxidant‐Enriched Raw and Cooked Rice by Vacuum‐Drying Impregnation in a Semidry State
Authors: Lee Seung Ju , Boonsupthip Waraporn
Published: March 2014

Vacuum drying was employed with a vacuum impregnation technique in a semidry state to enrich rice with antioxidants of beetroot juice. The properties of the vacuum‐dried raw and cooked rice grains were characterized. The various raw rice grains (three varieties and two storage time periods) exhibited a significant absorption of beetroot juice, which was evident from the red‐violet beetroot color of the rice, as distinguished from the white color of the control. The color increase (ΔE= 20−40) was linear with the juice content (R2 = 0.96−0.99). Their total phenolic (TP) contents and 2,2‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) scavenging activities were enhanced (ΔTP = 21−260 mg of gallic acid equivalents/100 g of rice db and ΔDPPH = 22−64 mg of vitamin C equivalents/100 g of rice db). Their grain integrity was reduced (Δforce = −1 to −63), which was potentially associated with the formation of grain surface cracks (linear relationship of %crack and %juice with R2 = 0.94−0.98). After cooking, the enriched rice grains were linearly elongated with added juice (R2 = 0.88−0.97, up to 1.6‐, 2.0‐, and 2.0‐fold for Sanpatong 1, Khao Dawk Mali 105, and Chainart 1 rice samples, respectively), and the overall volume of the cooked rice was increased (likely not linear, up to 3.2‐, 4.3‐, and 4.8‐fold for Sanpatong 1, Khao Dawk Mali 105, and Chainart 1 rice samples, respectively). Such improvements in cooking qualities were obtained by this simple vacuum‐drying technique, in comparison to existing rice‐aging processes that are more time consuming. The sensorial scores of the resultant rice products were excellent. Vacuum drying is an effective tool to improve the antioxidant value of rice as well as its cooking quality, and the raw quality remains appreciable. It is a simple and rapid process that could be practical for manufacturing healthy rice products.
First Report of Bean common mosaic virus Infecting Azuki Bean (Vigna angularis) in China
Authors: Li Y. Q. , Liu Z. P. , Yang K. , Li Y. S. , Zhao B. , Fan Z. F. , Wan P.
Published: March 2014

Azuki bean (Vigna angularis Ohwi & Ohashi) is one of the traditional grain legumes in China. From 2010 to 2013, mosaic and crumpling symptoms on leaves and stunting, all typical symptoms of a viral disease, were observed on cultivars CWA030, CWA221, and JCA002 of azuki bean with incidence rates of 30 to 100% and yield losses of 50 to 95% in the three fields of Changping district, Beijing. To identify the possible viral pathogen(s), 21 symptomatic leaf samples from different cultivars were collected and total RNA was extracted from the samples and subjected to RT-PCR testing with degenerate primers targeting portions of the coding regions of Cucumovirus capsid protein (CP) (1) and Potyvirus NIb (2); these viruses had been reported in azuki bean. Fragments of 940 bp and 350 bp corresponding to Cucumovirus CP and Potyvirus NIb, respectively, were amplified from all the samples collected. Sequencing of the PCR products from nine samples, followed by BLAST analysis, confirmed the presence of Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) and Bean common mosaic virus (BCMV). All the samples tested were also positive with direct antigen coating (DAC)-ELISA using specific antiserum to CMV or BCMV (Agdia, Elkhart, IN). The CMV CP gene (GenBank Accession No. KJ467817) shared 99% sequence identity with a China CMV isolate (DQ873558). To further characterize the BCMV strain found, fragments of 3,388 bp spanning BCMV NIa, NIb, CP and 3′UTR regions were amplified with another primer set, BCMV-F (5′-AGCAAGTCAATTTACAAGGGACTTC-3′) and BCMV-R (5′-GGAACAACAAACATTGCCGTAGCTAC-3′) from three samples, and three independent clones from each sample were sequenced. Sequence analysis revealed that this segment (KJ467816) shared 98% identity with the BCMV azuki bean strain (U60100). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of BCMV, together with CMV, naturally infecting azuki bean in China. Further attention should be paid to this emerging viral disease and measures should be taken to control the spread of BCMV.

References: (1) S. K. Choi et al. J. Virol. Methods 83:1345, 1999. (2) L. Zheng et al. Plant Pathol. 59:1345, 2010.
A Nonwounding Greenhouse Screening Protocol for Prediction of Field Resistance of Hybrid Poplar to Septoria Canker
Authors: Qin Ruqian , Stanosz Glen R. , LeBoldus Jared M.
Published: March 2014

Populus spp. and their hybrids are short-rotation woody crops which supply fiber to a diversity of industries in North America. The potential of hybrid poplar trees has been limited by the fungal pathogen Septoria musiva, the cause of leaf spot and stem canker of Populus spp. An inoculation protocol that does not rely on stem wounding to achieve infection was recently developed to screen poplar clones for resistance to Septoria canker. Prior to this study, the relationship between results obtained using this inoculation protocol and long-term field resistance of clones was unknown. Young ramets of 14 clones of hybrid poplar that were previously assigned to long-term canker damage categories (low, intermediate, and high) were inoculated with a conidial suspension of three isolates of S. musiva under greenhouse conditions. Three weeks post inoculation, lesion number, lesions per centimeter of stem length, area of stem that was necrotic, and proportion of stem area that was necrotic were measured. Logistic regression with lesion number and proportion necrotic area correctly predicted long-term disease damage categories for 11 of 14 clones tested, including the most resistant (NM6) and the most susceptible (NC11505) clones, demonstrating that this screening protocol is a promising method for prediction of long-term disease impact of the most resistant clones.
Physiologic Specialization of Puccinia triticina on Wheat in the United States in 2012
Authors: Kolmer J. A , Hughes M. E.
Published: March 2014

Collections of Puccinia triticina were obtained from rust-infected leaves provided by cooperators throughout the United States and from wheat fields and breeding plots by United States Department of Agriculture–Agricultural Research Service personnel and cooperators in the Great Plains, Ohio River Valley, southeastern states, and Washington State and Idaho in order to determine the virulence of the wheat leaf rust population in 2012. Single uredinial isolates (501 in total) were derived from the collections and tested for virulence phenotype on 20 lines of ‘Thatcher’ wheat that are near-isogenic for leaf rust resistance genes. In 2012, 74 virulence phenotypes were described in the United States. Virulence phenotypes TNBGJ, TCRKG, and MBTNB were the three most common phenotypes. Phenotype TNBGJ is virulent to Lr39/41 and was widely distributed throughout the hard red winter wheat region of the Great Plains. Phenotype TCRKG is virulent to Lr11, Lr18, and Lr26 and was found mostly in the soft red winter wheat region in the eastern United States. Phenotype MBTNB is virulent to Lr11 and was also found mostly in the soft red winter wheat region. The frequency of isolates with virulence to Lr39/41, which is present in many hard red winter wheat cultivars in the Great Plains region, continued to increase. Isolates with virulence to Lr21, which is present in many hard red spring wheat cultivars, also continued to increase in frequency in the northern Great Plains region.
First Report of Cucumber mosaic virus Associated with Capsicum chinense var. Scotch Bonnet in Florida
Authors: Babu B. , Dankers H. , Paret M. L.
Published: March 2014

Scotch bonnet (Capsicum chinense) is a tropical hot pepper variety that is grown in South America, the Caribbean Islands, and in Florida, and is an important cash crop. In Florida, scotch bonnet is grown on ~100 acres annually. Virus-like leaf symptoms including mosaic and yellow mottling were observed on scotch bonnet plants in a field at Quincy, FL, with a disease incidence of ~5%. Two symptomatic and one non-symptomatic plant sample were collected from this field for identification of the causal agent associated with the symptoms. Viral inclusion assays (2) of the epidermal tissues of the symptomatic scotch bonnet samples using Azure A stain indicated the presence of spherical aggregates of crystalline inclusion bodies. Testing of the symptomatic samples using lateral flow immunoassays (Immunostrips, Agdia, Elkhart, IN) specific to Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), Potato virus Y (PVY), Pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV), Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV), Zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV), and Papaya ringspot virus (PRSV), showed a positive reaction only to CMV. The sap from an infected leaf sample ground in 0.01 M Sorensons phosphate buffer (pH 7.0) was used to mechanically inoculate one healthy scotch bonnet plant (tested negative for CMV with Immunostrip) at the 2- to 3-leaf stage. The inoculated plant developed mild mosaic and mottling symptoms 12 to 14 days post inoculation. The presence of CMV in the mechanically inoculated plant was further verified using CMV Immunostrips. Total RNA was extracted (RNeasy Plant Mini Kit, Qiagen, Valencia, CA) from the previously collected two symptomatic and one non-symptomatic scotch bonnet samples. The samples were subjected to reverse-transcription (RT)-PCR assays using SuperScript III One-Step RT-PCR System (Invitrogen, Life Technologies, Grand Island, NY), and using multiplex RT-PCR primer sets (1). The primers were designed to differentiate the CMV subgroup I and II, targeting the partial coat protein gene and the 3′UTR. The RT-PCR assays using the multiplex primers produced an amplicon of 590 bp, with the CMV subgroup I primers. The RT-PCR product was only amplified from the symptomatic leaf samples. The obtained amplicons were gel eluted, and directly sequenced bi-directionally (GenBank Accession Nos. KF805389 and KF805390). BLAST analysis of these sequences showed 97 to 98% nucleotide identities with the CMV isolates in the NCBI database. The isolates collected in Florida exhibited highest identity (98%) with the CMV isolate from tomato (DQ302718). These results revealed the association of CMV subgroup I with symptomatic scotch bonnet leaf samples. Although CMV has been reported from scotch bonnet, this is the first report of its occurrence in Florida.

References: (1) S. Chen et al. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin. 43:465, 2011. (2) R. G. Christie and J. R. Edwardson. Plant Dis. 70:273, 1986.
Measuring Quantitative Virulence in the Wheat PathogenZymoseptoria triticiUsing High-Throughput Automated Image Analysis
Authors: Stewart Ethan L. , McDonald Bruce A.
Published: March 2014

Zymoseptoria tritici, causal agent of Septoria tritici blotch on wheat, produces pycnidia in chlorotic and necrotic lesions on infected leaves. A high-throughput phenotyping method was developed based on automated digital image analysis that accurately measures the percentage of leaf area covered by lesions (PLACL) as well as pycnidia size and number. A seedling inoculation assay was conducted using 361 Z. tritici isolates originating from a controlled cross and two different winter wheat cultivars. Pycnidia size and density were found to be quantitative traits that showed a continuous distribution in the progeny. There was a weak correlation between pycnidia density and size (r = −0.27) and between pycnidia density and PLACL (r = 0.37). There were significant differences in PLACL and pycnidia density on resistant and susceptible cultivars. In all, >20% of the offspring exhibited significantly different pycnidia density on the two cultivars, consistent with host specialization. Automated image analysis provided greater accuracy and precision compared with traditional visual estimates of virulence. These results show that digital image analysis provides a powerful tool for measuring differences in quantitative virulence among strains of Z. tritici.
High-Efficiency Stable Transformation of the Model Fern Species Ceratopteris richardii via Microparticle Bombardment
Authors: Plackett Andrew R.G. , Huang Liandong , Sanders Heather L. , Langdale Jane A.
Published: March 2014

Ferns represent the most closely related extant lineage to seed plants. The aquatic fern Ceratopteris richardii has been subject to research for a considerable period of time, but analyses of the genetic programs underpinning developmental processes have been hampered by a large genome size, a lack of available mutants, and an inability to create stable transgenic lines. In this paper, we report a protocol for efficient stable genetic transformation of C. richardii and a closely related species Ceratopteris thalictroides using microparticle bombardment. Indeterminate callus was generated and maintained from the sporophytes of both species using cytokinin treatment. In proof-of-principle experiments, a 35S::β-glucuronidase (GUS) expression cassette was introduced into callus cells via tungsten microparticles, and stable transformants were selected via a linked hygromycin B resistance marker. The presence of the transgene in regenerated plants and in subsequent generations was validated using DNA-blot analysis, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, and GUS staining. GUS staining patterns in most vegetative tissues corresponded with constitutive gene expression. The protocol described in this paper yields transformation efficiencies far greater than those previously published and represents a significant step toward the establishment of a tractable fern genetic model.
Proton Gradient Regulation 5-Mediated Cyclic Electron Flow under ATP- or Redox-Limited Conditions: A Study of ƊATPase pgr5 and ƊrbcL pgr5 Mutants in the Green Alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
Authors: Johnson Xenie , Steinbeck Janina , Dent Rachel M. , Takahashi Hiroko , Richaud Pierre , Ozawa Shin-Ichiro , Houille-Vernes Laura , Petroutsos Dimitris , Rappaport Fabrice , Grossman Arthur R. , Niyogi Krishna K. , Hippler Michael , Alric Jean
Published: March 2014

The Chlamydomonas reinhardtii proton gradient regulation5 (Crpgr5) mutant shows phenotypic and functional traits similar to mutants in the Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) ortholog, Atpgr5, providing strong evidence for conservation of PGR5-mediated cyclic electron flow (CEF). Comparing the Crpgr5 mutant with the wild type, we discriminate two pathways for CEF and determine their maximum electron flow rates. The PGR5/proton gradient regulation-like1 (PGRL1) ferredoxin (Fd) pathway, involved in recycling excess reductant to increase ATP synthesis, may be controlled by extreme photosystem I acceptor side limitation or ATP depletion. Here, we show that PGR5/PGRL1-Fd CEF functions in accordance with an ATP/redox control model. In the absence of Rubisco and PGR5, a sustained electron flow is maintained with molecular oxygen instead of carbon dioxide serving as the terminal electron acceptor. When photosynthetic control is decreased, compensatory alternative pathways can take the full load of linear electron flow. In the case of the ATP synthase pgr5 double mutant, a decrease in photosensitivity is observed compared with the single ATPase-less mutant that we assign to a decreased proton motive force. Altogether, our results suggest that PGR5/PGRL1-Fd CEF is most required under conditions when Fd becomes overreduced and photosystem I is subjected to photoinhibition. CEF is not a valve; it only recycles electrons, but in doing so, it generates a proton motive force that controls the rate of photosynthesis. The conditions where the PGR5 pathway is most required may vary in photosynthetic organisms like C. reinhardtii from anoxia to high light to limitations imposed at the level of carbon dioxide fixation.
The mediating role of LMX between abusive supervision and work behaviors
Authors: Decoster Stijn , Camps Jeroen , Stouten Jeroen
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– In a replication of a multi-source study by Xu et al., the authors examined whether leader-member exchange (LMX) mediates the relationship between abusive supervision and employee work behaviors, more specifically task performance, organizational citizenship behaviors toward the organization (OCBO), and toward other individuals (OCBI). Moreover, the authors also examined whether LMX mediates this relationship when the authors focus on the two dimensions of abusive supervision, that is active-aggressive and passive-aggressive abusive supervision.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors collected multi-source data in order to minimize common method bias. The authors conducted regression analyses, Sobel tests, and bootstrapping techniques.

Findings

– The authors found support that LMX mediates the negative relationship between abusive supervision and OCBO and OCBI. However, the authors could not replicate the mediating role of LMX in the association between abusive supervision and employees' performance. Similar results were obtained when the data were analyzed with the active-aggressive and passive-aggressive abusive supervision subscales.

Research limitations/implications

– Due to the cross-sectional nature of the study, this study does not allow the authors to draw causal conclusions regarding the proposed relationships.

Originality/value

– The authors replicated Xu et al.'s findings in a European context with a different sample and different measures for LMX, performance, and OCBI. The authors conducted bootstrapping analyses in order to control for the skewed distribution of abusive supervision. The authors explore whether the proposed relations still stand with regard to active-aggressive and passive-aggressive abusive supervision.
Procurement and consumption of local and organic food in the catering of a rural town
Authors: Tikkanen Irma
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to describe the transformation towards consuming local and organic food (LOF) in the catering of a rural town. Product development cooperation, procurement, consumption, and prices are illustrated. Achieved local, social and environmental benefits are depicted.

Design/methodology/approach

– Theoretical framework includes the EU's strategy for corporate social responsibility concerning public procurement. Recent research on LOF and its procurement are summarized. The sources for empirical data included web pages depicting the case town and an interviewee, namely the food service manager.

Findings

– The results indicated that in 2011 local food products amounted to 46 per cent, whereas organic food products accounted for 14 per cent of the food procurement in the case town school's catering. The percentage of local food products in the whole town's catering amounted to 13. Benefits for the local community included money supporting the local economy, which thus facilitated the producers developing their businesses. However, higher prices were paid. Social benefits entailed that LOF contains the least amount of additives possible and LOF also advocates local food culture. Environmental benefits included, e.g. the following aspects: protecting the natural environment; decreasing packaging and bio waste; and diminished consuming water and energy.

Practical implications

– Increasing consumption of LOF required the following actions: integrating LOF into the town's strategy; allocating extra resources; training catering personnel; developing products with producers; and organising local procurement procedures.

Originality/value

– The results offer ideas for small municipalities how to increase the consumption of LOF gradually, and thus achieve benefits for the local community. The results may interest also those selling-in to that market sector.
Consumers' behaviors when eating out
Authors: Choi Jinkyung , Zhao Jinlin
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– The present study aimed to discover whether there are any differences among people in healthy eating and nutrition consciousness when they eat out at restaurants. Also, the study aimed to determine what relationship exists between consumers' lifestyle and their behavioral intention to eat healthily when dining out. In addition, the study investigated the relationships between restaurant attributes and consumers' intention to eat healthily when dining out.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study posits that restaurant attributes have an impact on consumers' intention to order healthy meals at a restaurant. Questionnaires were distributed and collected over a two-month period in south Florida. Respondents were asked to indicate on a five-point scale their considerations when selecting a restaurant and particular ingredients in the food when dining out. The study analyzed the data using one-way ANOVA and Games-Howell test in order to find that considerations about nutritional components when choosing a meal at a restaurant. Also, multiple regression was run to determine the relationship between lifestyle and restaurant attributes and intention to order healthy food at a restaurant.

Findings

– Most of the respondents (76.5 percent) were concerned about their weight; however, only 26.7 percent of the respondents were actually on a diet. Of the respondents 33 percent knew about MyPyramid (USDA), which is an updated version of the Food Pyramid (USDA). Based on the results of one-way ANOVA and Games-Howell test, the study found that considerations about nutritional components when choosing a meal at a restaurant differed according to consumers' knowledge of health issues, weight concerns, gender, age, and marital status. Also, the results of multiple regression suggested that lifestyle, offering variety of healthy food, and services were significant predictors of consumers' intention to order healthy food at a restaurant, whereas other attributes of restaurants were not significant predictors for the ordering of healthy food.

Originality/value

– This study has contributed unique and extended conclusions from previous studies and has given consumers a better understanding about particular nutritional components in order for them to take advantage of the recent trend in more healthy foods being available at restaurants. The results of this study revealed that restaurants' marketing strategies for healthy food need to target consumers whose lifestyle promotes a healthy life in terms of regular exercise, dietary plans, or eating food considering the FoodPyramid, rather than target consumers whose lifestyle is less healthy. However, the results of this study also suggest that the offering of healthy food and good services do have effect on consumers' consideration to order healthy food.