bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ancient mitochondrial DNA and the genetic history of Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber) in Europe
Authors: Horn Susanne , Prost Stefan , Stiller Mathias , Makowiecki Daniel , Kuznetsova Tatiana , Benecke Norbert , Pucher Erich , Hufthammer Anne K. , Schouwenburg Charles , Shapiro Beth , Hofreiter Michael
Published: February 2014

After centuries of human hunting, the Eurasian beaver Castor fiber had disappeared from most of its original range by the end of the 19th century. The surviving relict populations are characterized by both low genetic diversity and strong phylogeographical structure. However, it remains unclear whether these attributes are the result of a human‐induced, late Holocene bottleneck or already existed prior to this reduction in range. To investigate genetic diversity in Eurasian beaver populations during the Holocene, we obtained mitochondrial control region DNA sequences from 48 ancient beaver samples and added 152 modern sequences from GenBank. Phylogeographical analyses of the data indicate a differentiation of European beaver populations into three mitochondrial clades. The two main clades occur in western and eastern Europe, respectively, with an early Holocene contact zone in eastern Europe near a present‐day contact zone. A divergent and previously unknown clade of beavers from the Danube Basin survived until at least 6000 years ago, but went extinct during the transition to modern times. Finally, we identify a recent decline in effective population size of Eurasian beavers, with a stronger bottleneck signal in the western than in the eastern clade. Our results suggest that the low genetic diversity and the strong phylogeographical structure in recent beavers are artefacts of human hunting‐associated population reductions. While beaver populations have been growing rapidly since the late 19th century, genetic diversity within modern beaver populations remains considerably reduced compared to what was present prior to the period of human hunting and habitat reduction.
OmpA and OmpC are critical host factors for bacteriophage Sf6 entry in Shigella
Authors: Parent Kristin N. , Erb Marcella L. , Cardone Giovanni , Nguyen Katrina , Gilcrease Eddie B. , Porcek Natalia B. , Pogliano Joe , Baker Timothy S. , Casjens Sherwood R.
Published: February 2014

Despite being essential for successful infection, the molecular cues involved in host recognition and genome transfer of viruses are not completely understood. Bacterial outer membrane proteins A and C co‐purify in lipid vesicles with bacteriophage Sf6, implicating both outer membrane proteins as potential host receptors. We determined that outer membrane proteins A and C mediate Sf6 infection by dramatically increasing its rate and efficiency. We performed a combination of in vivo studies with three omp null mutants of Shigella flexneri, including classic phage plaque assays and time‐lapse fluorescence microscopy to monitor genome ejection at the single virion level. Cryo‐electron tomography of phage ‘infecting’ outer membrane vesicles shows the tail needle contacting and indenting the outer membrane. Lastly, in vitro ejection studies reveal that lipopolysaccharide and outer membrane proteins are both required for Sf6 genome release. We conclude that Sf6 phage entry utilizes either outer membrane proteins A or C, with outer membrane protein A being the preferred receptor.
Vascular calcification in patients undergoing kidney and simultaneous pancreas‐kidney transplantation
Authors: Chau Katrina , Martinez Gabriela , Elder Grahame J
Published: February 2014

Aim

Vascular calcification (VC) is common in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) on dialysis, and an inverse relationship of VC to bone mineral density (BMD) has been reported. Because elderly patients are prone to atherosclerosis and BMD artefact, we examined the prevalence and epidemiology of VC in younger patients undergoing transplantation, and its relationship to BMD.

Methods

Laboratory testing was performed immediately before kidney or simultaneous pancreas–kidney (SPK) transplantation. Within 4 weeks patients underwent BMD evaluation and lateral abdominal X‐ray. Aortic calcification was scored using a validated 24‐point scale.

Results

Of 650 consecutive patients X‐rays were available for 531 (82%). Their median age was 41 years (16−71), 58% were male, dialysis vintage was 20 months (0–402) and 69% had kidney and 31% SPK transplants. VC scores were ≥1 in 47%, with the median score 6 (1–24) and was associated with age, dialysis vintage and presence of cardiovascular, cerebrovascular or peripheral vascular disease. In a multivariate analysis of patients with and without VC, those with VC were older and of longer dialysis vintage (OR 1.07 and 1.17 per 12 months respectively; P < 0.001 for both). In that analysis, VC was not significantly associated with gender, transplant type, presence of diabetes, current or former smoking or calcium or calcitriol therapy, and was not inversely related to hip, spine or forearm BMD Z‐scores.

Conclusion

VC is common in younger patients undergoing transplantation and, similar to older patients, is associated with age, dialysis vintage and cardiovascular pathology. However, in this younger patient group, there was no significant inverse association of VC to BMD.
Toward more accurate measurements of anorectal motor and sensory function in routine clinical practice: Validation of High‐Resolution Anorectal Manometry and Rapid Barostat Bag measurements of rectal function
Authors: Sauter M. , Heinrich H. , Fox M. , Misselwitz B. , Halama M. , Schwizer W. , Fried M. , Fruehauf H.
Published: February 2014

Background

Measurements of anorectal function using high‐resolution anorectal manometry (HR‐ARM) and rectal barostat technology provide more reliable results than standard ARM with an elastic balloon; however, HR‐ARM results have not been compared to ARM and standard barostat protocols are impractical in routine clinical practice. The aim of this study was to validate HR‐ARM against standard ARM and standard barostat against a novel Rapid Barostat Bag (RBB) measurement and elastic balloon measurements of rectal function.

Methods

Twenty‐six healthy volunteers (15 female, 11 male, 19–52 years) were studied. Measurements of anal function and simulated defecation were compared for 12‐sensor HR‐ARM and 6‐sensor standard ARM using line plots from the same recording. Rectal capacity, compliance, and sensation (volume threshold) were measured by elastic balloon, standard barostat, and RBB methods using stepwise inflation of a 700‐mL polyethylene bag to 40 mmHg distension by electronic barostat and handheld syringe monitored by sphygmo‐manometer, respectively. Results are reported as mean ± SD. Bland–Altman plots and correlation coefficients (r) for measurements were calculated.

Key Results

There was excellent agreement between HR‐ and standard ARM measurements (r > 0.86, <25 mmHg difference) and between standard barostat and RBB measurements of rectal capacity (r = 0.97, <25 mL difference). Correlation coefficients of threshold volumes for initial perception, urgency and discomfort were 0.37, 0.71, and 0.95, respectively. No significant correlation was present with elastic balloon measurements. Time to complete studies was shorter for HR‐ARM than standard ARM and for RBB than standard barostat in historical controls.

Conclusions & Inferences

HR‐ARM with RBB measurements of anorectal function provides quick and reasonably accurate measurements of continence function suitable for use in routine clinical practice (ClinicalTrial.gov NCT01456442).
Beyond nursing nihilism, a Nietzschean transvaluation of neoliberal values
Authors: Krol Pawel J. , Lavoie Mireille
Published: February 2014

Like most goods‐producing sectors in the West, modern health‐care systems have been profoundly changed by globalization and the neoliberal policies that attend it. Since the 1970s, the role of the welfare state has been considerably reduced; funding and management of health systems have been subjected to wave upon wave of reorganization and assimilated to the private sector. At the same time, neoliberal policy has imposed the notion of patient empowerment, thus turning patients into consumers of health. The literature on nursing has accordingly reported on the significant repercussions on all aspects of the profession, from delivery of care and treatment, through training for new nurses, to legislated policy reforms regarding the role and responsibilities of modern nurses. In light of these developments, this paper analyses and theorizes about the way the injection of neoliberal policy is linked to and affects the practice of nursing. Drawing on a number of Nietzschean arguments, we begin with an exploration of the complex effects of neoliberalism, bureaucratization, and technocratization on the health system and the practice of nursing. Our main theoretical point here is that neoliberal policy engenders and promotes a neoliberal tide, which results in the conversion of the values that drive modern nursing practice. We then examine this tide in the light of Nietzsche's concepts. Starting with an analysis based on the ontology of the will to power, we show that nurses are dominated by neoliberal values embedded in technocratic and bureaucratic ideologies. Finally, we argue that the application of neoliberal policy constitutes a form of domestication from which one might potentially be freed through the Nietzschean concept of transvaluation of values. This transvaluation, as its freeing from some of the neoliberal tide, may be accomplished in accordance with a hierarchy of specific life‐affirming values for nursing culture and practice.
Adherence of Candida albicans to silicone is promoted by the human salivary protein SPLUNC2/PSP/BPIFA2
Authors: Holmes A.R. , Rodrigues E. , van der Wielen P. , Lyons K.M. , Haigh B.J. , Wheeler T.T. , Dawes P.J.D. , Cannon R.D.
Published: February 2014

Interactions between Candida albicans, saliva and saliva‐coated oral surfaces are initial events in the colonization of the oral cavity by this commensal yeast, which can cause oral diseases such as candidiasis and denture stomatitis. Candida albicans also colonizes silicone voice prostheses, and the microbial biofilm formed can impair valve function, necessitating frequent prosthesis replacement. We have previously shown that saliva promoted binding of C. albicans cells to silicone in vitro, and that the selective binding of specific salivary proteins to voice prosthesis silicone mediated attachment of C. albicans cells. The C. albicans cells adhered to a polypeptide (or polypeptides) of ~36 kDa eluted from saliva‐treated silicone. We show here that a protein of similar size was identified in replicate blots of the eluate from saliva‐treated silicone when the blots were probed with antibodies to human SPLUNC2, a salivary protein with reported microbial agglutination properties. In addition, SPLUNC2 was depleted from saliva that had been incubated with silicone coupons. To determine whether SPLUNC2 is a yeast‐binding protein, SPLUNC2 cDNA was expressed in Escherichia coli. Purified recombinant His‐tagged protein (SPLUNC2r) bound to silicone as demonstrated by immunoblot analysis of an eluate from SPLUNC2r‐treated silicone coupons and 35S‐radiolabelled C. albicans cells adhered in a dose‐dependent manner to SPLUNC2r‐coated silicone. We conclude that SPLUNC2 binds to silicone and acts as a receptor for C. albicans adherence to, and subsequent colonization of, voice prosthesis silicone.
ARE FORMAL CIVIL SERVICE EXAMINATIONS THE MOST MERITOCRATIC WAY TO RECRUIT CIVIL SERVANTS? NOT IN ALL COUNTRIES
Authors: SUNDELL ANDERS
Published: February 2014

Recruitment to the civil service is, in order to prevent patronage, often centralized and based on performance in competitive examinations. This approach, albeit slow and occasionally cumbersome, is generally assumed to be the most meritocratic method of recruitment. However, while some applicants may have skills suited for a specific position, they may not perform best in a general examination. As long as the system is not abused, a more flexible recruitment process based on, for example, interviews andCVscreening, may be more meritocratic. It is therefore necessary to weigh the risk of abuse against the potential gains from more flexibility. Formal civil service examinations are hypothesized in this article to be the most meritocratic way to recruit civil servants only in countries where the risk for patronage is high. Analysis of a dataset describing the structures and characteristics of bureaucracies worldwide lends support to the hypothesis.
PUBLIC RESPONSIBILITY AND INEQUALITY IN HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE: AN EXAMINATION OF AMERICAN STATE HEALTH CARE SYSTEMS
Authors: ZHU LING , JOHANSEN MORGEN
Published: February 2014

This article examines the effect of the three publicness dimensions on inequality in health insurance coverage across 50 American state‐level health care systems. The analysis validates a Gini‐coefficient measure of Americans' unequal distribution of health insurance coverage across nine income groups and compares public ownership, financing, and control of health care systems across all 50 states from 2002 to 2010. There is a significant and negative relationship between public ownership and inequality in health insurance coverage, although the substantive impact of ownership is relatively small. Both public financing and control substantially reduce inequality in health insurance coverage across income groups. However, both of these must be present in order to be effective at reducing inequality. This article expands our understanding of the link between different institutional arrangements and inequality in health insurance coverage in hybrid health care systems.
Quantitative trait loci mapping for flag leaf traits in rice using a chromosome segment substitution line population
Authors: Bian Jianmin , He Haohua , Shi Huan , Zhu Guoqiang , Li Cuijuan , Zhu Changlan , Peng Xiaosong , Yu Qiuying , Fu Junru , He Xiaopeng , Chen Xiaorong , Hu Lifang , Ouyang Linjuan
Published: February 2014

To study the genetic basis of rice flag leaf morphology, quantitative genetic analysis was conducted in a population of 37 chromosome segment substitution lines (CSSLs) of indica elite variety ‘Habataki’ in the background of japonica cultivar ‘Sasanishiki’ across three different environments. The CSSLs showed normal distribution with transgressive segregation, indicating that these four traits are controlled by polygenes. Moreover, analyses of variance showed that these traits were highly influenced by the growing environment, which are typical for polygenic quantitative traits. Seven quantitative trait loci (QTLs) on four chromosomes were detected in total: four for flag leaf width, one for flag leaf area and two for flag leaf angle. Two key QTLs, qFLW4 and qFLAG5 controlling flag leaf width and angle, respectively, were identified in all three environments. These QTLs could provide useful information for marker‐assisted selection in improving the performance of plant architecture with regard to leaf angle and area. Moreover, developed CSSLs with these QTLs information are also useful research materials to reveal the importance of leaf morphology in relation to grain yield.
The large pools of metabolites involved in intercellular metabolite shuttles in C4 photosynthesis provide enormous flexibility and robustness in a fluctuating light environment
Authors: STITT MARK , ZHU XIN‐GUANG
Published: February 2014

C
4 photosynthesis confers advantages in terms of decreased photorespiration, high photosynthetic rate and improved water use and nitrogen use efficiency. Its operation is intimately linked with the presence of large metabolite pools that are required to drive metabolite shuttles between the mesophyll and bundle sheath. These large metabolite pools may confer a further, previously unappreciated, advantage to C
4 photosynthesis, acting like capacitors in an electricity grid and buffering against rapid fluctuations in light intensity.
Measurement of Intracellular Oxygen Concentration During Photodynamic Therapy in vitro
Authors: Weston Mark A. , Patterson Michael S.
Published: February 2014

A technique is introduced that monitors the depletion of intracellular ground state oxygen concentration ([3O2]) during photodynamic therapy of Mat‐LyLu cell monolayers and cell suspensions. The photosensitizer Pd(II) meso‐tetra(4‐carboxyphenyl)porphine (PdT790) is used to manipulate and indicate intracellular [3O2] in both of the in vitro models. The Stern–Volmer relationship for PdT790 phosphorescence was characterized in suspensions by flowing nitrogen over the suspension while short pulses of 405 nm light were used to excite the sensitizer. The bleaching of sensitizer and the oxygen consumption rate were also measured during continuous exposure of the cell suspension to the 405 nm laser. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) was conducted in both cell suspensions and in cell monolayers under different treatment conditions while the phosphorescence signal was acquired. The intracellular [3O2] during PDT was calculated by using the measured Stern–Volmer relationship and correcting for sensitizer photobleaching. In addition, the amount of oxygen that was consumed during the treatments was calculated. It was found that even at large oxygen consumption rates, cells remain well oxygenated during PDT of cell suspensions. For monolayer treatments, it was found that intracellular [3O2] is rapidly depleted over the course of PDT.
Synergism between mTORpathway and ultraviolet radiation in the pathogenesis of squamous cell carcinoma and its implication for solid‐organ transplant recipients
Authors: Balagula Yevgeniy , Kang Sewon , Patel Manisha J.
Published: February 2014

Nonmelanoma skin cancers (NMSCs) are the most common malignancies in theUnitedStates in immunocompetent patients. Among the solid‐organ transplant recipients,NMSCs represent a significant disease burden, and they tend to be multiple and more aggressive. While the precise mechanisms responsible for the higher risk of developing cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) have not been completely elucidated, ultraviolet (UV) light has been established to be critical in initiation and promotion of tumor development. More recently, significant emphasis has been placed on the role of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway inSCCpathogenesis. Furthermore, some studies have demonstrated the ability ofmTORinhibitors to decrease the incidence of newSCCs in the immunosuppressed transplanted patient population. In this review, we will highlight and examine the most recent available data on the role ofUVradiation and its interaction withmTORpathway signaling inSCCpathogenesis.
Serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D levels in patients with atopic eczema and the influence of narrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy
Authors: Rose Rebecca F. , Williams Christina , Oliphant Thomas , Browne Fiona , Turner David , Goulden Victoria
Published: February 2014

Background

Narrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy (nbUVB) is an established treatment modality for patients with severe atopic dermatitis (AD) and is known to increase serum vitamin D levels (SVD). The relationship between SVD and AD remains unclear.

Objectives

To assess SVD and disease severity in patients with AD before and after nbUVB and establish whether a change in SVD correlates to response to nbUVB.

Methods

A single‐centre, open observational study recruited 21 male and 17 female patients with AD between November and April. Eczema severity was measured using the SCORAD tool, and serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D3 levels were determined before and after nbUVB, which was administered thrice weekly.

Results

Nine patients had severe AD, 23 moderate and six mild, as indicated by SCORAD measurements. Seventeen patients completed the study. Median SVD increased from 45 nmol/l pre‐treatment to 169 nmol/l post‐treatment (95% CI 2.9–5.0 times baseline) (P < 0.0001). Mean SCORAD reduction following nbUVB was significant at 21.9 units (95% CI, 14.9–28.9) (P < 0.0001). No evidence of a relationship between change in SCORAD and change in SVD was found.

Limitations

A significant number of patients failed to complete the study.

Conclusions

Patients with AD are at risk of vitamin D deficiency. Correlation between this and disease severity has been postulated, but this study does not provide confirmatory evidence.
Production and Sales Planning in Capacitated New Product Introductions
Authors: Bilginer Özlem , Erhun Feryal
Published: February 2014

How should a firm with limited capacity introduce a new product? Should it introduce the product as soon as possible or delay introduction to build up inventory? How do the product and market characteristics affect the firm's decisions? To answer such questions, we analyze new product introductions under capacity restrictions using a two‐period model with diffusion‐type demand. Combining marketing and operations management decisions in a stylized model, we optimize the production and sales plans of the firm for a single product. We identify four different introduction policies and show that when the holding cost is low and the capacity is low to moderate, a (partial) build‐up policy is indeed optimal if consumers are sensitive to delay. Under such a policy, the firm (partially) delays the introduction of its product and incurs short‐term backlog costs to manage its future demand and total costs more effectively. However, as either the holding cost or the capacity increases, or consumer sensitivity to delay decreases, the build‐up policy starts to lose its appeal, and instead, the firm prefers an immediate product introduction. We extend our analysis by studying the optimal capacity decision of the firm and show that capacity shortages may be intentional.
Synchronized network activity as the origin of a P300 component in a facial attractiveness judgment task
Authors: Zhang Yuan , Tang Akaysha C. , Zhou Xiaolin
Published: February 2014

Many studies have used the P300 as an index for cognitive processing and neurological/psychiatric disorders. Here, we combined the source separation and source localization methods to investigate the cortical origins of the P300 elicited in a facial attractiveness judgment task. For each participant, we applied second‐order blind identification (SOBI) to continuous EEG data to decompose the mixture of brain signals and noise. We then used the equivalent current dipole (ECD) models to estimate the centrality of the SOBI‐recovered P300. We found that the ECD models, consisting of dipoles in the frontal and posterior association cortices, account for 96.5 ± 0.5% of variance in the scalp projection of the component. Given that the recovered dipole activities in different brain regions share the same time course with different weights, we conclude that the P300 originates from synchronized activity between anterior and posterior parts of the brain.
Microbial‐based systems for aquaculture of fish and shrimp: an updated review
Authors: Martínez‐Córdova Luis R. , Emerenciano Mauricio , Miranda‐Baeza Anselmo , Martínez‐Porchas Marcel
Published: February 2014

The continuous development of world aquaculture demands new strategies and alternatives aimed to achieve sustainability. The use or microorganisms in aquaculture has greatly evolved during the last two decades. From being considered as a potential threat, during the last years, they have been used as probiotics and inclusively as food source for fish and crustacean. The microbial‐based systems represent one of the most viable strategies to achieve a sustainable aquaculture. In short, these systems are based on the promotion of microbial proliferation, either autotrophic or heterotrophic microorganisms; these microbes are expected to use, recycle and transform the excess of nutrients from faeces, dead organisms, unconsumed food and diverse metabolites into biomass, which would be further consumed by the cultured organisms. Successful results on using microbial‐based systems have been documented around the world; however, there are key aspects to consider and yet to experiment before a system could be implemented. Some of those aspects are analysed in this manuscript, while new advances in the use of microbial‐based systems and recommendations are also presented.
In‐Center Nocturnal Hemodialysis
Authors: Jakubovic Baruch D. , Yan Andrew T. , Wald Ron
Published: February 2014

Dialysis intensification from conventional regimens (typically thrice weekly, 4 hours per session) is increasingly utilized with the intent of improving the cardiovascular health and quality of life of chronic dialysis recipients. While home nocturnal hemodialysis offers the opportunity for maximal intensification of dialysis, it is inaccessible to the majority of dialysis recipients who are unable to self‐administer hemodialysis in their own homes. In‐center nocturnal hemodialysis (INHD) permits the intensification of conventional hemodialysis with the benefits of nursing support and supervision in addition to freedom from dialysis during productive daytime hours. Although no randomized trials have evaluated the relative merits of INHD, preliminary data indicate that INHD is a viable option that may confer a variety of benefits for chronic dialysis recipients.
Dialysis and Acute Kidney Injury: Current Evidence
Authors: Christie Emily , Pannu Neesh
Published: February 2014

Optimization of renal replacement therapy (RRT) for severe acute kidney injury (AKI) has been intensively studied over the last decade. Several large recently published randomized trials have clarified uncertainties regarding dialysis modality selection as well as dialysis dosage. This information will help inform decision makers regarding resource allocation and establishment of treatment targets. The decision to initiate dialysis remains a clinical one, based on individual patient needs. Despite technological advances in renal replacement therapy, AKI continues to be associated with poor outcomes.
The APOE ε4 allele in relation to brain white‐matter microstructure in adulthood and aging
Authors: Nyberg Lars , Salami Alireza
Published: February 2014

The Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) ε4 allele is a major genetic risk factor for sporadic Alzheimer's disease and has been associated with structural and functional brain alterations across the adult life span. Recent studies have presented evidence that ε4 affects microstructural properties of brain white matter (WM) in non‐demented carriers of the ε4 allele, but conflicting evidence has been presented as well. The main purpose of the present study was therefore to examine ApoE effects on WM in a large sample of middle‐aged and older adults (N = 273). Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) data was acquired, and tract‐based as well as voxel‐wise analyses were conducted. The tract‐based analyses revealed no significant ApoE effects, and no significant interactions between genotype and age were observed. Taken together, the findings of the present study suggest that ApoE effects on white‐matter microstructure are less abundant than has been suggested in some previous studies.
Object relations and real life relationships: A cross method assessment
Authors: Handelzalts Jonathan E. , Fisher Shimrit , Naot Rachel
Published: February 2014

This study examines the relationship between the psychoanalytic concept of object relations and real life behavior of being in an intimate relationship among heterosexual women. In a multi‐method approach we used two different measures; the self‐report Bell Object Relations and Reality Testing Inventory (BORRTI; Bell, Billington & Becker, ) and the performance based Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) Social Cognition & Object Relations Scale‐ Global Rating Method SCORS‐G (Westen, ) to measure the object relations of 60 women. The Alienation subscale of the BORRTI and understanding of social causality subscale of the SCORS‐G explained 34.8% of variance of the intimate relationship variable. Thus, women involved in a romantic relationship reported lower rates of alienation on the BORRTI and produced TAT narratives that were more adaptive with regard to understanding of social causality as measured by the SCORS‐G than those not currently in a relationship. Results are discussed with reference to the relationship between object relations and real life measures of healthy individuals and in light of the need for a multi‐method approach of assessment.
nMAT4, a maturase factor required for nad1 pre‐mRNA processing and maturation, is essential for holocomplex I biogenesis in Arabidopsis mitochondria
Authors: Cohen Sigal , Zmudjak Michal , Colas des Francs‐Small Catherine , Malik Sunita , Shaya Felix , Keren Ido , Belausov Eduard , Many Yair , Brown Gregory G. , Small Ian , Ostersetzer‐Biran Oren
Published: February 2014

Group II introns are large catalytic RNAs that are found in bacteria and organellar genomes of lower eukaryotes, but are particularly prevalent within mitochondria in plants, where they are present in many critical genes. The excision of plant mitochondrial introns is essential for respiratory functions, and is facilitated in vivo by various protein cofactors. Typical group II introns are classified as mobile genetic elements, consisting of the self‐splicing ribozyme and its own intron‐encoded maturase protein. A hallmark of maturases is that they are intron‐specific, acting as cofactors that bind their intron‐containing pre‐RNAs to facilitate splicing. However, the degeneracy of the mitochondrial introns in plants and the absence of cognate intron‐encoded maturase open reading frames suggest that their splicing in vivo is assisted by ‘trans’‐acting protein factors. Interestingly, angiosperms harbor several nuclear‐encoded maturase‐related (nMat) genes that contain N‐terminal mitochondrial localization signals. Recently, we established the roles of two of these paralogs in Arabidopsis, nMAT1 and nMAT2, in the splicing of mitochondrial introns. Here we show that nMAT4 (At1g74350) is required for RNA processing and maturation of nad1 introns 1, 3 and 4 in Arabidopsis mitochondria. Seed germination, seedling establishment and development are strongly affected in homozygous nmat4 mutants, which also show modified respiration phenotypes that are tightly associated with complex I defects.
A chalcone isomerase‐like protein enhances flavonoid production and flower pigmentation
Authors: Morita Yasumasa , Takagi Kyoko , Fukuchi‐Mizutani Masako , Ishiguro Kanako , Tanaka Yoshikazu , Nitasaka Eiji , Nakayama Masayoshi , Saito Norio , Kagami Takashi , Hoshino Atsushi , Iida Shigeru
Published: February 2014

Flavonoids are major pigments in plants, and their biosynthetic pathway is one of the best‐studied metabolic pathways. Here we have identified three mutations within a gene that result in pale‐colored flowers in the Japanese morning glory (Ipomoea nil). As the mutations lead to a reduction of the colorless flavonoid compound flavonol as well as of anthocyanins in the flower petal, the identified gene was designated enhancer of flavonoid production (EFP). EFP encodes a chalcone isomerase (CHI)‐related protein classified as a type IV CHI protein. CHI is the second committed enzyme of the flavonoid biosynthetic pathway, but type IV CHI proteins are thought to lack CHI enzymatic activity, and their functions remain unknown. The spatio‐temporal expression of EFP and structural genes encoding enzymes that produce flavonoids is very similar. Expression of both EFP and the structural genes is coordinately promoted by genes encoding R2R3‐MYB and WD40 family proteins. The EFP gene is widely distributed in land plants, and RNAi knockdown mutants of the EFP homologs in petunia (Petunia hybrida) and torenia (Torenia hybrida) had pale‐colored flowers and low amounts of anthocyanins. The flavonol and flavone contents in the knockdown petunia and torenia flowers, respectively, were also significantly decreased, suggesting that the EFP protein contributes in early step(s) of the flavonoid biosynthetic pathway to ensure production of flavonoid compounds. From these results, we conclude that EFP is an enhancer of flavonoid production and flower pigmentation, and its function is conserved among diverse land plant species.
Effects of riboflavin and ultraviolet light treatment on platelet thrombus formation on collagen via integrin αIIbβ3 activation
Authors: Terada Chikahiro , Mori Junpei , Okazaki Hitoshi , Satake Masahiro , Tadokoro Kenji
Published: February 2014

Background

The adoption of pathogen reduction technology (PRT) is considered for the implementation of safer platelet (PLT) transfusion. However, the effects of PRT treatment on PLT thrombus formation under blood flow have not yet been fully clarified.

Study Design and Methods

Leukoreduced PLT concentrates (PCs) obtained by plateletpheresis were treated with riboflavin and ultraviolet light (Mirasol PRT). PC samples were passed through a column filled with collagen‐coated beads at a fixed shear rate after 1, 3, and 5 days of storage. The thrombus formation ability was evaluated by measuring collagen column retention rate. The change in the activation state of integrin αIIbβ3 on PLTs during storage was examined by flow cytometry.

Results

The retention rate of the PRT‐treated PLTs was significantly higher than that of the control PLTs on the day of treatment and decreased with storage but remained higher than those of the control during storage. This modification did not correlate with the total αIIbβ3 or fibrinogen binding on the PLTs but correlated significantly with PAC‐1 binding. Mn2+‐induced αIIbβ3 activation also fully restored the retention rate in the Day 5 PRT‐treated PLTs along with the increase in PAC‐1 binding.

Conclusion

Riboflavin‐based PRT treatment of PCs leads to the enhancement of thrombus formation on collagen, which is related to the activation status of αIIbβ3, which does not bind to fibrinogen but binds to PAC‐1. The impact of this finding on the hemostatic or even thrombogenic potential in vivo must await clinical evaluation.
French Firms' Exports During Downturns: Evidence from Past Crises
Authors: Bellas Dimitri , Vicard Vincent
Published: February 2014

This paper makes use of detailed French firm‐level data on a quarterly basis to investigate the impact of past crises on exports and the margins of adjustment. We first detect crises periods using quantitative criteria and classify them into banking crises, currency crises, simultaneous banking and currency crises, and other crises. Our results underline the prevalence of the intensive margin of adjustment to large shocks, that is, firms reducing their average sales per product while staying on the market. The extensive margin of trade is, however, dominant in currency crises. On average, a crisis reduces the growth rate of exports over six quarters. Finally, we show that exports overreact to demand variations during crises, and that the extensive margin is more responsive to demand. Other factors, not directly related to demand, mostly affect the intensive margin.
Equine intradermal test threshold concentrations for house dust mite and storage mite allergens and identification of stable acari fauna
Authors: Roberts Holly A. , Hurcombe Samuel D. A. , Hillier Andrew , Lorch Gwendolen
Published: February 2014

Background

House dust mite (HDM) and storage mite (SM) stable fauna and their associated equine intradermal test (IDT) threshold concentrations (TCs) for the midwestern region of the USA are unknown.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To determine IDT TCs and serum IgE concentrations for two HDM and three SM species in clinically normal horses over two seasons, and to identify the mite taxa and habitats in a stable.

Animals

Thirty‐eight clinically normal horses.

Methods

Threshold concentrations for HDMs and SMs were determined using IDT subjective measurements and a statistical model. An enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay was used to quantify serum IgE concentrations for the same mite species. A modified flotation method was used to identify morphologically HDMs and SMs.

Results

Subjective IDT TCs were as follows: 1:80,000 w/v for Dermatophagoides farinae in both seasons; 1:80,000 w/v in spring and 1:160,000 w/v in late summer for Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus; 1:40,000 w/v in spring and 1:20,000 w/v in late summer for Acarus siro; 1:20,000 w/v for Lepidoglyphus destructor in both seasons; and 1:20,000 w/v in spring and 1:10,000 w/v in late summer for Tyrophagus putrescentiae. Statistically significant associations for increased serum IgE and a positive IDT reaction were evident for D. farinae in the spring and D. pteronyssinus in both seasons. One mite from all four genera specific to this study was identified; however, two HDM and A. siro species were not detected.

Conclusions and clinical importance

This study established HDM and SM IDT dilution concentrations for the horses in this region. Exposure to diverse acaridae fauna may contribute to the pathogenesis of equine allergic disease.
Comparison of two handheld applanation tonometers and the association of central corneal thickness, age, and intraocular pressure in normal and diseased canine eyes
Authors: Kato Kumiko
Published: February 2014

Objective

To compare the intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements from two applanation tonometers (Tono‐PenXL®andAccuPen®) in normal and diseased canine eyes (including corneal disease, cataract, glaucoma, uveitis, and noninflammatory intraocular disease) and evaluate the associations among the central corneal thickness (CCT),IOPmeasurements, and age.

Animals studied

Sixty‐eight normal and 191 diseased eyes.

Procedure

A topical anesthetic agent was applied to each eye. One minute later,IOPwas measured with theTono‐PenXL®and then the AccuPen®, and thenCCTwas measured with an ultrasonic pachymeter. Measurements for the right eye were always taken first.

Results

TheTono‐PenXL®successfully measuredIOPin all eyes, whereas theAccuPen®registered measurements in only 98.4% of diseased eyes. TheAccuPen®measurements were significantly lower than theTono‐PenXL®measurements in both normal and diseased eyes. TheCCTdid not affect theTono‐PenXL®orAccuPen®measurements in normal or diseased eyes. Spearman's correlation coefficient by rank analysis ofCCTandIOPyielded correlation coefficients (r) of 0.144 and 0.101 for theTono‐PenXL®, and 0.108 and 0.175 for the AccuPen®in normal and diseased eyes, respectively. In normal canine eyes, age correlated inversely with theCCT(r = −0.128) andIOPas measured using theTono‐PenXL®(r = −0.446) andAccuPen®(r = −0.427).

Conclusions

TheAccuPen®measurements were slightly but significantly lower than theTono‐PenXL®measurements in both normal and diseased canine eyes. TheCCTaffected the results of neither tonometer regardless of disease, while bothIOPandCCTtended to decrease with age in normal eyes.
AN OPTIMIZED COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY PROTOCOL FOR METALLIC GUNSHOT HEAD TRAUMA IN A SEAL MODEL
Authors: Fraga‐Manteiga Eduardo , Shaw Darren J. , Dennison Sophie , Brownlow Andrew , Schwarz Tobias
Published: February 2014

Computed tomography (CT) is commonly used to assess animals with head trauma. However, strongly attenuating objects such as metallic gunshot cause artifacts that may make accurate localization of shrapnel pieces difficult. The purpose of this study was to develop an optimized CT protocol for minimizing metal artifacts in an animal model of gunshot head trauma. A cadaver head of a stranded Gray seal (Halichoerus grypus) was shot post‐mortem with a 0.223‐inch caliber rifle. The head was frozen, thawed, and scanned using a multislice CT scanner and protocols with varying acquisition and reconstruction parameters. Scans were acquired with and without use of the scanner's proprietary Extended CT Scale (ECTS) mode and beam hardening reduction (Posterior Fossa Optimization [PFO]) filter. Window/level display settings were also varied. For each protocol and each of five selected metallic shrapnel pieces, a single observer measured combined metal halo artifact and shrapnel area using a hand‐traced region of interest. The number of hypo‐ and hyper‐attenuating streak artifacts was also recorded. Measurements were repeated for three different reading sessions. Metal CT artifacts were minimized with a high‐frequency image reconstruction algorithm and a wide window setting. Further artifact reduction was achieved with a proprietary ECTS raw data reconstruction technique and a very wide window. This enabled a more confident evaluation of surrounding bone. On the other hand, these techniques are unfortunately not effective under conditions of soft tissue evaluation. Increasing tube voltage and use of a proprietary PFO filter did not yield a significant reduction in metal artifacts.
Roles of emergence time and interspecific competition on the dominance and coexistence of Setaria faberi and Digitaria ciliaris in an orchard weed community in Japan
Authors: Itoh Matsuo , Froud‐Williams Robert J.
Published: February 2014

Setaria faberi and Digitaria ciliaris are summer annual grass weeds that constitute an orchard weed community in Japan. Species dominance in the weed community shifts from S. faberi to D. ciliaris with an emergence delay. The change in species dominance is assumed to be a clue to how weeds dominate or coexist in shaping the community. Population dynamics and seasonal variations in emergence and competitive ability were studied from this viewpoint. Field monitoring and pot experiments exhibited that the emergence period of the two species overlapped extensively from April to June. The emergence of S. faberi began 2 weeks earlier than that of D. ciliaris in April and declined in June as a result of the induction of secondary dormancy. The plant density of D. ciliaris was high during the whole period. The great mortality of the species was replenished with its great natality. The replacement series experiments revealed that S. faberi that had been planted in April was a better competitor than D. ciliaris, but it lost its competitive superiority in the June plantings, when D. ciliaris became a superior competitor to S. faberi. The level of seed output was greater for D. ciliaris, even when it was an inferior competitor. Therefore, the shift in species dominance appeared to be attributed to a change in competitive superiority between the two species. The early emergence of S. faberi and the high plant density of D. ciliaris might accelerate competitive exclusion. The two species coexist when they are equivalent in competitiveness.
Survey of Zoonotic Dermatoses in Client‐Owned Exotic Pet Mammals in Southern Italy
Authors: d'Ovidio D. , Santoro D.
Published: February 2014

Several ‘exotic’ mammalian species (e.g. rabbits, rodents, ferrets and hedgehogs) live in close proximity to humans as companion pets. Skin diseases (SD) are frequent causes of morbidity in exotic pet mammals, and most of those SDs have a zoonotic potential. The purpose of this study was to determine the frequencies and types of zoonotic dermatosis (ZD) in client‐owned, exotic pet mammals in Southern Italy. Six‐hundred and fifty‐five medical records of exotic pet mammals examined between 2011 and 2012, across twenty private practice veterinary clinics around the Naples area (Italy), were retrospectively evaluated and screened for animals diagnosed with SDs (rabbits n = 455, guinea pigs n = 93, ferrets n = 64, hedgehogs n = 19, chinchillas n = 13 and rats n = 11). The records of animals diagnosed with SD, whose causative agents had a zoonotic potential, were selected for analysis. The Mann–Whitney independent test was used for statistical analysis. A P value ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. Eighty‐two records (12.5%) of animals with ZD were identified. Of those, 56.1% (46/82) were affected by fungal infections and 42.7% (35/82) by parasitic infections. No zoonotic bacterial or viral infections were diagnosed. Dermatophytosis was significantly diagnosed more frequently in younger animals. The results of this survey indicate that exotic pet mammals may serve as active carriers for many highly contagious pathogens with zoonotic potential. Awareness and vigilance by the veterinary practitioner is crucial in the prevention of occurrences of ZDs. Children frequently come in close contact with exotic pets. To prevent the unplanned transmission of pathogen from pet to human, an active routine screening examination and preventative treatments are strongly recommended for every newly purchased pet mammal.
Limit Load Determination and Material Characterization of Cracked Polyethylene Miter Pipe Bends1
Authors: EL-Bagory Tarek M. A. A. , Younan Maher Y. A. , Sallam Hossam E. M. , Abdel-Latif Lotfi A.
Published: February 2014

The quality of Natural Gas Piping Systems (NGPS), must be ensured against manufacturing defects. The main purpose of the present paper is to investigate the effect of loading mode and load angle (30 deg, 45 deg, and 60 deg) on the limit load of miter pipe bends (MPB), under different crack depths a/W = 0–0.4 at a crosshead speed 500 mm/min. The geometry of cracked and uncracked multi-miter pipe bends are pipe bend angle, α = 90 deg, pipe bend factor, h = 0.844, standard dimension ratio, SDR = 11, and three junctions, m = 3. The material of the investigated pipe is a high-density polyethylene (HDPE), which is commonly used in NGPS. The welds at the miter pipe junction are produced by butt-fusion welding. For all loading modes the limit load is obtained by the tangent intersection (TI) method from the load–deflection curves produced by the specially designed and constructed testing machine at the laboratory5. Tensile tests are conducted on specimens longitudinally extruded from the pipe with thickness, T = 10, 30 mm, at different crosshead speeds (5–500 mm/min), and different gauge lengths (G = 20, 25, and 50 mm) to determine the mechanical properties of welded and unwelded specimens. The fracture toughness is determined on the basis of elastic plastic fracture mechanics (EPFM). Curved three-point bend specimens (CTPB), are used. All specimens are provided with artificial precrack at the crack tip, a/W = 0.5. The effect of specimen thickness variation (B = 10, 15, 22.5, 30, 37.5, and 45 mm) for welded and unwelded specimens is studied at room temperature (Ta = 23 °C) and at different crosshead speeds, VC.H, ranging from 5 to 500 mm/min. The study reveals that increasing the crack depth leads to a decrease in the stiffness and limit load of MPB for both in-plane, and out-of-plane bending moment. In case of combined load (out-of-plane and in-plane opening; mode), higher load angles lead to an increase in the limit load. The highest limit load value occurs at a loading angle, ϕ = 60 deg. In case of combined load (out-of-plane and in-plane closing; mode), the limit load decreases with increasing load angles. At a load angle ϕ = 30 deg, the higher limit load value occurred in both cases. For combined load opening case, higher values of limit load are obtained. The crosshead speed has a significant effect on the mechanical behavior of both welded and unwelded specimens. The fracture toughness, JIC, is greater for unwelded than welded specimen.