bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Violent behaviour and post-traumatic stress disorder in US Iraq and Afghanistan veterans
Authors: Elbogen Eric B. , Johnson Sally C. , Wagner H. Ryan , Sullivan Connor , Taft Casey T. , Beckham Jean C.
Published: February 2014

Background

Violence towards others in the community has been identified as a significant problem for a subset of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans.

Aims

To investigate the extent to which post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other risk factors predict future violent behaviour in military veterans.

Method

A national, multiwave survey enrolling a random sample of all US veterans who served in the military after 11 September 2001 was conducted. A total of 1090 veterans from 50 US states and all military branches completed two survey waves mailed 1 year apart (retention rate = 79%).

Results

Overall, 9% endorsed engaging in severe violence and 26% in other physical aggression in the previous year, as measured at Wave 2. Younger age, financial instability, history of violence before military service, higher combat exposure, PTSD, and alcohol misuse at Wave 1 were significantly associated with higher severe violence and other physical aggression in the past year at Wave 2. When combinations of these risk factors were present, predicted probability of violence in veterans rose sharply. Veterans with both PTSD and alcohol misuse had a substantially higher rate of subsequent severe violence (35.9%) compared with veterans with alcohol misuse without PTSD (10.6%), PTSD without alcohol misuse (10.0%) or neither PTSD nor alcohol misuse (5.3%). Using multiple regression, we found that veterans with PTSD and without alcohol misuse were not at significantly higher risk of severe violence than veterans with neither PTSD nor alcohol misuse. There was a trend for other physical aggression to be higher in veterans with PTSD without alcohol misuse.

Conclusions

Co-occurring PTSD and alcohol misuse was associated with a marked increase in violence and aggression in veterans. Compared with veterans with neither PTSD nor alcohol misuse, veterans with PTSD and no alcohol misuse were not significantly more likely to be severely violent and were only marginally more likely to engage in other physical aggression. Attention to cumulative effects of multiple risk factors beyond diagnosis – including demographics, violence history, combat exposure, and veterans' having money to cover basic needs like food, shelter, transportation, and medical care – is crucial for optimising violence risk management.
Vascular endothelial growth factor coordinates islet innervation via vascular scaffolding
Authors: Reinert Rachel B. , Cai Qing , Hong Ji-Young , Plank Jennifer L. , Aamodt Kristie , Prasad Nripesh , Aramandla Radhika , Dai Chunhua , Levy Shawn E. , Pozzi Ambra , Labosky Patricia A. , Wright Christopher V. E. , Brissova Marcela , Powers Alvin C.
Published: February 2014

Neurovascular alignment is a common anatomical feature of organs, but the mechanisms leading to this arrangement are incompletely understood. Here, we show that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling profoundly affects both vascularization and innervation of the pancreatic islet. In mature islets, nerves are closely associated with capillaries, but the islet vascularization process during embryonic organogenesis significantly precedes islet innervation. Although a simple neuronal meshwork interconnects the developing islet clusters as they begin to form at E14.5, the substantial ingrowth of nerve fibers into islets occurs postnatally, when islet vascularization is already complete. Using genetic mouse models, we demonstrate that VEGF regulates islet innervation indirectly through its effects on intra-islet endothelial cells. Our data indicate that formation of a VEGF-directed, intra-islet vascular plexus is required for development of islet innervation, and that VEGF-induced islet hypervascularization leads to increased nerve fiber ingrowth. Transcriptome analysis of hypervascularized islets revealed an increased expression of extracellular matrix components and axon guidance molecules, with these transcripts being enriched in the islet-derived endothelial cell population. We propose a mechanism for coordinated neurovascular development within pancreatic islets, in which endocrine cell-derived VEGF directs the patterning of intra-islet capillaries during embryogenesis, forming a scaffold for the postnatal ingrowth of essential autonomic nerve fibers.
Hox proteins drive cell segregation and non-autonomous apical remodelling during hindbrain segmentation
Authors: Prin Fabrice , Serpente Patricia , Itasaki Nobue , Gould Alex P.
Published: February 2014

Hox genes encode a conserved family of homeodomain transcription factors regulating development along the major body axis. During embryogenesis, Hox proteins are expressed in segment-specific patterns and control numerous different segment-specific cell fates. It has been unclear, however, whether Hox proteins drive the epithelial cell segregation mechanism that is thought to initiate the segmentation process. Here, we investigate the role of vertebrate Hox proteins during the partitioning of the developing hindbrain into lineage-restricted units called rhombomeres. Loss-of-function mutants and ectopic expression assays reveal that Hoxb4 and its paralogue Hoxd4 are necessary and sufficient for cell segregation, and for the most caudal rhombomere boundary (r6/r7). Hox4 proteins regulate Eph/ephrins and other cell-surface proteins, and can function in a non-cell-autonomous manner to induce apical cell enlargement on both sides of their expression border. Similarly, other Hox proteins expressed at more rostral rhombomere interfaces can also regulate Eph/ephrins, induce apical remodelling and drive cell segregation in ectopic expression assays. However, Krox20, a key segmentation factor expressed in odd rhombomeres (r3 and r5), can largely override Hox proteins at the level of regulation of a cell surface target, Epha4. This study suggests that most, if not all, Hox proteins share a common potential to induce cell segregation but in some contexts this is masked or modulated by other transcription factors.
Ubpy controls the stability of the ESCRT-0 subunit Hrs in development
Authors: Zhang Junzheng , Du Juan , Lei Cong , Liu Min , Zhu Alan Jian
Published: February 2014

Ubiquitylated developmental membrane signaling proteins are often internalized for endocytic trafficking, through which endosomal sorting complexes required for transport (ESCRT) act sequentially to deliver internalized cargos to lysosomes. The ESCRT function in endocytic sorting is well established; however, it is not fully understood how the sorting machinery itself is regulated. Here, we show that Ubiquitin isopeptidase Y (Ubpy) plays a conserved role in vivo in the homeostasis of an essential ESCRT-0 complex component Hrs. We find that, in the absence of Drosophila Ubpy, multiple membrane proteins that are essential components of important signaling pathways accumulate in enlarged, aberrant endosomes. We further demonstrate that this phenotype results from endocytic pathway defects. We provide evidence that Ubpy interacts with and deubiquitylates Hrs. In Ubpy-null cells, Hrs becomes ubiquitylated and degraded in lysosomes, thus disrupting the integrity of ESCRT sorting machinery. Lastly, we find that signaling proteins are enriched in enlarged endosomes when Hrs activity is abolished. Together, our data support a model in which Ubpy plays a dual role in both cargo deubiquitylation and the ESCRT-0 stability during development.
Sequential Paired Electrosynthesis of a Diaryl Ether Derivative Using an Electrochemical Microreactor
Authors: Kashiwagi Tsuneo , Fuchigami Toshio , Saito Tsuyoshi , Nishiyama Shigeru , Atobe Mahito
Published: February 2014

A paired electrosynthetic conversion of a phenol to a diaryl ether derivative by using an electrochemical microreactor has been demonstrated. Sequential anodic C–O coupling reaction of phenol 1 to dienone aryl ether 2 and following reduction of 2 took place to give diaryl ether derivative 3 selectively by simply passing an electrolytic solution through the electrochemical microreactor.
Catch Me if You Can: Challenges and Applications of Cross-Linking Approaches
Authors: Tinnefeld Verena , Sickmann Albert , Ahrends Robert
Published: February 2014

Biomolecular complexes are the groundwork of life and the basis for cell signaling, energy transfer, motion, stability and cellular metabolism. Understanding the underlying complex interactions on the molecular level is an essential step to obtain a comprehensive insight into cellular and systems biology. For the investigation of molecular interactions, various methods, including Förster resonance energy transfer, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, X-ray crystallography and yeast two-hybrid screening, can be utilized. Nevertheless, the most reliable approach for structural proteomics and the identification of novel protein-binding partners is chemical cross-linking. The rationale is that upon forming a covalent bond between a protein and its interaction partner (protein, lipid, RNA/DNA, carbohydrate) the native complex state is “frozen” and accessible for detailed mass spectrometric analysis. In this review we provide a synopsis on cross-linker design, chemistry, pitfalls, limitations and novel applications in the field, and feature an overview of current software applications.
Splicing factor hnRNP A2 activates the Ras-MAPK-ERK pathway by controlling A-Raf splicing in hepatocellular carcinoma development
Authors: Shilo Asaf , Ben Hur Vered , Denichenko Polina , Stein Ilan , Pikarsky Eli , Rauch Jens , Kolch Walter , Zender Lars , Karni Rotem
Published: February 2014

In recent years, it has become clear that splicing factors play a direct role in cancer development. We showed previously that splicing factors SRSF1, SRSF6, and hnRNP A2/B1 are up-regulated in several cancers and can act as oncogenes when up-regulated. Here we examined the role of splicing factors hnRNP A1/A1b and hnRNP A2/B1 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We show that the splicing factors hnRNP A1 and hnRNP A2 are up-regulated in HCC tumors derived from inflammation-induced liver cancer mouse model. Overexpression of hnRNP A1 or hnRNP A2, but not the splicing isoform hnRNP B1, induced tumor formation of immortalized liver progenitor cells, while knockdown of these proteins inhibited anchorage-independent growth and tumor growth of human liver cancer cell lines. In addition, we found that cells overexpressing hnRNP A2 showed constitutive activation of the Ras-MAPK-ERK pathway. In contrast, knockdown of hnRNP A2 inhibited the Ras-MAPK-ERK pathway and prevented ERK1/2 activation by EGF. Moreover, we found that hnRNP A2 regulates the splicing ofA-Raf, reducing the production of a short dominant-negative isoform of A-Raf and elevating the full-lengthA-Raftranscript. Taken together, our data suggest that hnRNP A2 up-regulation in HCC induces an alternative splicing switch that down-regulates a dominant-negative isoform of A-Raf, leading to activation of the Raf-MEK-ERK pathway and cellular transformation.
Modeling Credible Retaliation Threats in Deterring the Smuggling of Nuclear Weapons Using Partial Inspection—A Three-Stage Game
Authors: Shan Xiaojun (Gene) , Zhuang Jun
Published: February 2014

Deterring the smuggling of nuclear weapons in container freight is critical. Previous work has suggested that such deterrence could be achieved by retaliation threats and partial inspection. However, pre-event declared retaliation threats may not be credible, causing the desired deterrence not to be achieved. In this paper, we extend and complement the work of Haphuriwat et al. (2011) to model credible retaliation threats in a three-stage game, by introducing two additional decision variables and five additional parameters. Our results suggest that noncredible retaliation could be at equilibrium when the reputation loss is low, the reward from the public for retaliation is low, or the costs of retaliation are high. When the declared retaliations are noncredible, we quantitatively show that a higher inspection level would be required to deter nuclear smuggling than would be needed if retaliation threats are always credible. This paper provides additional quantitative insights on the decision-making process for container screening to deter nuclear smuggling.
Effective Active Learning Strategies for the Use of Large-Margin Classifiers in Semantic Annotation: An Optimal Parameter Discovery Perspective
Authors: Xu Kaiquan , Liao Stephen Shaoyi , Lau Raymond Y. K. , Zhao J. Leon
Published: February 2014

Classical supervised machine learning techniques have been explored for semantically annotating unstructured textual data such as consumers' comments archived at social media websites to extract business intelligence. However, these techniques often require a large number of manually labeled training examples to produce accurate annotations. Several active learning approaches that are designed based on probabilistic sequence models have been explored to minimize the number of labeled training examples for semantic annotation tasks. Recent research has shown that large-margin classifiers are viable alternatives to automated semantic annotation, given their strong generalization capabilities and the ability to process high-dimensional data. However, the existing active learning methods that are designed for probabilistic sequence models cannot be easily adapted and applied to large-margin classifiers. The main contribution of this paper is the development of novel active learning methods for large-margin classifiers to fill the aforementioned research gap. In particular, we propose an innovative perspective of taking active learning as a search of optimal parameters for large-margin classifiers. A rigorous evaluation involving two benchmark tests and an empirical test based on real-world data extracted from Amazon.com reveals that the proposed active learning methods can train effective classifiers with significantly fewer training examples while achieving similar annotation performance, compared to a typical state-of-the-art classifier that only uses several labeled training examples. More specifically, one of our proposed active learning methods can reduce the number of training examples by 19.74% at the 68% level of F1 when compared to the best baseline method, as evaluated based on the Amazon data set. Our research opens the door to the application of intelligent semantic annotation techniques to support real-world applications such as automatically analyzing consumer comments for customer relationship management.
Intracortical haematogenous osteomyelitis
Authors: Jowett AJL , Middleton SWF , Quaye MC , Chesterfield H , Lasrado I , Witham FM
Published: February 2014

We present an unusual case of haematogenous osteomyelitis in the diaphysis of the tibia of an adult leading to a subacute presentation with an extracortical abscess. Fluid from the abscess grew methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) on culture; MRSA with the same antibiogram had been grown from the patient’s blood seven years earlier following a bowel resection. Drainage of the abscess and curettage of the bone lesion together with appropriate antibiotic therapy led to resolution of the osteomyelitis.
The Role of Authorization in Title Conflicts Involving Retention of Title Clauses: Some American Lessons
Authors: Thomas Sean
Published: February 2014

This paper considers the lack of protection granted to purchasers of goods encumbered with retention of title clauses. In chains of transactions, disponees are only able to acquire such title that their immediate disponor had. The difficulties involved in determining the extent to which the title is encumbered is magnified as chains of transactions extend. English law fails to acknowledge the vital role of authorization in cases involving pre-existing but unknowable encumbrances. The failures of English law can be usefully contrasted with the situation in the USA. Under Article 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code, a security interest can pass with the goods upon disposition, yet if the disposition is authorized, the security interest will merely attach to the proceeds of the disposition. The final purchaser will be able to retain the goods. Although prima facie similar to English law, the American case law demonstrates that authorization plays a substantially more influential role, and reduces the risk to purchasers in comparison with English law.
"Xenophobia" in South Africa: Order, Chaos, and the Moral Economy of Witchcraft
Authors: Hickel Jason
Published: February 2014

This article explores the violent, anti-immigrant riots that swept through informal settlements in South Africa in 2008, during which more than sixty foreigners were killed and more than one hundred thousand displaced. In the first part of the paper, I draw on research conducted in informal settlements around the city of Durban to argue that many people’s perceptions of foreigners are informed by ideas about witches and witchcraft, which articulate with widespread anxieties about rising unemployment, housing shortages, and a general crisis of social reproduction. These ideas provide a semiotic environment in which anti-immigrant violence becomes thinkable. In the second part of the paper, I argue that these ethnographic data help us interrogate existing theories of xenophobic violence, which tend to see it as a reaction to the cultural confusion and social anomie that globalization allegedly triggers. This dominant approach relies on assumptions about order and chaos that are native to Euro-American culture and thus do not necessarily apply cross-culturally. I show that these assumptions have a long and troubling history in South Africa, where colonial administrators and mid-century social scientists drew on them in their attempts to manage African populations.
Shared values for differences and Borel exceptional values
Authors: Chen Chuang-Xin , Chen Zong-Xuan
Published: February 2014

In this paper, we prove that if f is a transcendental
meromorphic function of finite order which has two Borel
exceptional values a (

∈
ℂ

$\in \mathbb {C}$

) and b (

∈
ℂ
∪
{
∞
}

$\in \mathbb {C}\cup \lbrace \infty \rbrace $

),
and if

f
(
z
+
η
)
-
f
(
z
)

$f(z+\eta )-f(z)$

and

f
(
z
)

$f(z)$

share values d (

d
∈
ℂ

$d\in \mathbb {C}$

and

d
≠
a

$d\ne a$

),
b CM,

f
(
z
)

$f(z)$

is not periodic of period

η

$\eta $

(

∈
ℂ

$\in \mathbb {C}$

), then

b
=
∞

$b=\infty $

,

d
≠

a
2

,
0

$d\ne \frac{a}{2},0$

and

f

(
z
)

=
a
+
c

e

c
1

z

$f(z)=a+ce^{c_1z}$

,
where

c
,

c
1

$c,c_1$

are two nonzero constants.
How to Manage Conflict and Ambiguities in Localization and Map Matching
Authors: Gruyer Dominique , Belaroussi Rachid , Vigneron Vincent , Cord Aurelien
Published: February 2014

Since the use of systems of satellite positioning such as the global positioning system (GPS), applications have tried to locate vehicles on maps representing the environment with their attributes. For one decade, this has led to both localization and navigation services for users. Recently, new researches have begun in order to extend the functionalities of the existing systems and thus to develop new applications using these technologies in the design of driver assistance systems. These new systems will indeed allow us to anticipate road departures or prevent overspeed turn approaches. Nevertheless, to deploy such new functionalities, it is imperative to ensure the association of vehicle position with one of the roadmap segments. In this article, we propose a new approach based on the belief theory taking into account the imperfections of available data in order to ensure the positioning and tracking of a vehicle on a roadmap and to manage conflicts and ambiguities using a multi-hypotheses decision.
»Selbständiges verantwortliches Handeln«. Generalleutnant Hans Graf von Sponeck (1888–1944) und das Schicksal der Juden in der Ukraine, Juni–Dezember 1941
Authors: Grimmer-Solem Erik
Published: February 2014

While the crimes of the Wehrmacht in the Russian campaign have been critically reappraised over the last 20 years, General Hans von Sponeck’s command over units of the 11th Army in the Ukraine in 1941 has been obscured by legends that serve his public commemoration as a military resistance hero and victim of the Nazi regime. The well-documented war crimes of the 11th Army and their units’ close cooperation with the SS in genocide in the summer and autumn of 1941 raise the question of Sponeck’s involvement in them. An analysis of the orders and a reconstruction of events within the area of Sponeck’s command reveal that Sponeck and his units participated actively in the struggle against »Jewish Bolshevism« and thus enabled the Nazi regime’s policy of »ethnic cleansing« in the Soviet Union. That this has until now been unknown and that von Sponeck continues to be commemorated as a resistance fighter raises renewed questions about the public‘s awareness of the role of the Wehrmacht in the Holocaust.
Factors Associated With Crestal Bone Loss Following Dental Implant Placement in a Longitudinal Follow-up Study
Authors: Kim Sang Y. , Dodson Thomas B. , Do Duy T. , Wadhwa Gary , Chuang Sung-Kiang
Published: February 2014

The purpose of this study is to estimate the magnitude of crestal bone loss and to identify factors associated with changes in crestal bone height following placement of dental implants. This was a retrospective cohort study, consisting of a sample derived from the population of patients who had at least 1 dental implant placed in a community practice over a 10-year period. A total of 11 predictor variables were grouped into demographic, related health status, anatomic, implant-specific, and operative categories. The primary outcome variable was a change in crestal bone height (mm) over the course of follow-up. The secondary outcome variable was crestal bone loss at 1 year grouped into 2 categories (bone loss >1.5 mm and ≤1.5 mm). Univariate and multivariate regression mixed-effects models were developed to identify variables associated with crestal bone level changes over time. P values ≤.05 were considered statistically significant. The study sample was composed of 85 subjects who received 148 implants. The mean change of the crestal bone was −2.1 ± 1.5 mm (range = −12.5 to 0.5 mm; median = −1.77 mm). In the multivariate model, none of the variables studied were statistically associated with mean crestal bone loss. Among 84 (66.1%) implants with bone loss >1.5 mm within 1 year, no variables were associated with bone loss in the multivariate model. Of the 11 predictor variables evaluated in this study, none were statistically significant with regard to an increased risk for crestal bone loss or for excessive bone loss within the first year after implant placement.
Misturas em tanque com glyphosate para o controle de trapoeraba, erva-de-touro e capim-carrapicho em soja RR®
Authors: Maciel Cleber Daniel de Goes , Poletine Juliana Parisotto , Amstalden Saulo Leme , Gazziero Dionísio Luis Piza , Raimondi Michel Alex , Lima Gesley Ramos Guimarães , Oliveira Neto Antônio Mendes de , Guerra Naiara , Justiniano Wagner
Published: February 2014

O uso de misturas de glyphosate, em tanque, para manejo de espécies de plantas daninhas de difícil controle tem sido prática comum entre os agricultores brasileiros. Desta forma, este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a eficácia e seletividade de misturas, em tanque, de herbicidas com glyphosate para o controle de trapoeraba (Commelina benghalensis L.), erva-de-touro (Tridax procumbens L.) e capim-carrapicho (Cenchrus echinatus L.) na cultura da soja RR®. O experimento foi conduzido em Maracaí, São Paulo, no período de novembro de 2006 a março de 2007, utilizando-se o cultivar CD-214RR® e delineamento experimental de blocos ao acaso, com 21 tratamentos e quatro repetições. Os tratamentos foram constituídos da aplicação de: glyphosate (180; 360; 540 e 720 g ha-1); glyphosate em sequencial (180/360; 360/360 e 540/360 g ha-1); glyphosate + chlorimuron-ethyl 360+10; 540+10; 360+5/ 360+5 g ha-1); glyphosate + lactofen (360+120; 540+120; 360+60/ 360+60 g ha-1); glyphosate + cloransulam-methyl (360+30; 540+30; 360+16,9/ 360+12,9 g ha-1); glyphosate + carfentrazone (360+4 g ha-1); glyphosate + imazethapyr (360+50 g ha-1); glyphosate + imazethapyr (177,8+30 g ha-1) e testemunhas capinada e sem capina. Apesar da similaridade de produtividade de grãos entre os tratamentos com glyphosate isolado e sequencial, nas doses 540, 720 e 540/ 360 g ha-1, as misturas em tanque com chlorimuron-ethyl, cloransulam-methyl, lactofen e imazethapyr favoreceram o controle de espécies de plantas daninhas tolerantes ao glyphosate como C. benghalensis e T. procumbens.
Estimativa da produção de sementes de porta-enxertos cítricos por meio da massa de frutos
Authors: Zucoloto Moises , Costa Marcio Gama da , Carvalho Lorena Moreira , Santos Dierlei dos , Siqueira Dalmo Lopes de
Published: February 2014

A diversificação do uso de porta-enxertos é de suma importância, especialmente pelo fato de que a citricultura depara-se com um número crescente de doenças que afetam pomares enxertados. O objetivo foi determinar a quantidade de caixas de frutos necessária para a obtenção de uma massa determinada de sementes. Foram tomadas medidas de massa de fruto, número de frutos por caixa, número de sementes por fruto e número de sementes por caixa de nove porta-enxertos. O número máximo de caixas necessárias para obtenção de um quilo de sementes foi de 5,43 para o 'limão-cravo' e o número mínimo foi de 1,01, para o genótipo 'Rangpur' x 'Swingle'.
Transplacental transmission of Anaplasma marginale in beef cattle chronically infected in southern Brazil
Authors: Grau Hermann Eduardo Gonzalez , Cunha Filho Nilton Azevedo da , Pappen Felipe Geraldo , Farias Nara Amélia da Rosa
Published: February 2014

In this study, we have investigated the incidence of transplacental transmission of Anaplasma marginale in chronically infected cows with no history of acute anaplasmosis during gestation. In addition, we evaluated various techniques for detection of transplacental transmission ofA. marginale. Blood samples were collected from 30 cows at three different periods: at the time of artificial insemination, at gestational diagnosis, and after calving. Also, blood was collected from the newborn calves, including one sample before colostrum intake, and another three days after birth. A. marginale-specific antibodies were detected in 100% of the cows with an indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT), and in 97% of them, using an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Also, we observed that all of the three-day-old newborn calves were seropositive by IFAT. According to polymerase chain reaction, 63.3% of the cows were carriers of A. marginale, as well as 6.7% of the newborn calves. This represented a transplacental transmission rate of 10.5%. Furthermore, a correlation of 93.3% was observed between the two serodiagnostic techniques, demonstrating that both ELISA and IFAT can be used in epidemiological surveys of A. marginale. These results confirm the occurrence of transplacental transmission of A. marginale in chronically infected cows and suggest the importance of this transmission route in areas of enzootic instability.
Phoretic mites identified on andean hummingbirds (Trochilidae) of Caldas, Colombia
Authors: López-Orozco Natalia , Cañón-Franco William Alberto
Published: February 2014

Within the bird-plant-mite system, the relationship between hummingbirds, flowers, and mites remains poorly understood. In this study, we evaluated the degree of association between nasal mites and eight species of Andean hummingbirds in Colombia (Amazilia saucerrottei,A. tzacatl, Chalybura buffonii,Chlorostilbon mellisugus, Florisuga mellivora, Glaucis hirsutus, Phaethornis guy and P. striigularis). Over a five-month period (trapping effort 360 hours/month), a total of 178 birds were captured, from which 81 mite specimens were collected and identified as belonging to three genera (Proctolaelaps, Rhinoseius andTropicoseius) spanning eleven species. This is the first report of its kind from Colombia on the identification of the mite speciesP. rabulatus, R. luteyni, R. rafinskii, T. berryi, T. colwelli, T. erro and T. uniformisand the first record of P. guy as phoretic host forProctolaelaps rabulatus. Morphological characteristics (length of the dorsal plate, width of the dorsal plate and setae z5 length) alone failed to distinguish between mite species. The ecologic impact of this relationship on flowers with respect to nectar and pollen availability and the effect of mites on pollination by hummingbirds needs to be determined.
Parasites of Psittaciformes and Accipitriformes in Paraíba state, northeastern Brazil
Authors: de Melo Cristiane Maria Fernandes , Oliveira Jaqueline Bianque , Feitosa Thais Ferreira , Vilela Vinícius Longo Ribeiro , Athayde Ana Célia Rodrigues , Dantas Antônio Flávio Medeiros , Wagner Paulo Guilherme Carniel , Febrônio Andrei Brum
Published: February 2014

In this study, we investigated the presence of gastrointestinal helminths in 97 captive birds (Psittaciformes and Accipitriformes) necropsied between June and December 2011 in the state of Paraiba, Brazil. Forty-three birds were infected. Psittaciformes were infected by nematode Ascaridia hermaphrodita (97.6%) and cestodeRaillietina sp. (2.4%). A. hermaphrodita was found in all species of parrots andRaillietina sp. was found only in Amazona aestiva. A. hermaphrodita was the cause of death, by intestinal obstruction, in 14 of the 40 birds investigated. Accipitriformes were infected by nematode Synhimantus(Synhimantus) rectus (100%) and acantocephalan Centrorhynchus tumidulus (50%). In Brazil, Diopsittaca nobilis and A. aestiva are reported for the first time as hosts of A. hermaphrodita andRaillietina sp., respectively. We concluded that Psittaciformes and Accipitriformes in captivity are affected by nematodes, cestodes and acanthocephalans and that implementation of control measures is essential.
Molecular detection of feline arthropod-borne pathogens in cats in Cuiabá, state of Mato Grosso, central-western region of Brazil
Authors: Miceli Natasha Gandolfi , Gavioli Fernando Antonio , Gonçalves Luiz Ricardo , André Marcos Rogério , Sousa Valéria Régia Franco , Sousa Keyla Carstens Marques de , Machado Rosangela Zacarias
Published: February 2014

Hemotrophic mycoplasmas (hemoplasmas), Bartonellasp., Hepatozoon sp. and Cytauxzoon felis are prominent pathogens that circulate between cats and invertebrate hosts. The present study aimed to detect the presence of DNA from hemoplasmas,Bartonella sp., Hepatozoon sp. andCytauxzoon felis, and then confirm it by means of sequencing, in blood samples from cats in Cuiabá, MT, Brazil. From February 2009 to February 2011, blood samples with added EDTA were collected from 163 cats that were being housed in four different animal shelters in the city of Cuiabá, state of Mato Grosso, Brazil and from 15 cats that were admitted to the veterinary hospital of the Federal University of Mato Grosso (UFMT). Out of the 178 cats sampled, 15 (8.4%) were positive for hemoplasmas: four (2.2%) forMycoplasma haemofelis, 12 (6.7%) for ‘Candidatus M. haemominutum’ and one (0.5%) for ‘Candidatus M. turicensis’. One cat (0.5%), a patient that was attended at the veterinary hospital, was coinfected with M. haemofelis, ‘Candidatus M. haemominutum’ and ‘Candidatus M. turicensis’, based on sequencing confirmation. Four cats were positive for Bartonella spp.: three (1.7%) for B. henselae and one (0.5%) for B. clarridgeiae. None of the animals showedCytauxzoon sp. or Hepatozoon sp. DNA in their blood samples. This study showed that cats housed in animal shelters in the city of Cuiabá, state of Mato Grosso, are exposed to hemoplasmas andBartonella species.
Parasitic helminths of the digestive system of wild boars bred in captivity
Authors: Silva Diego Silva da , Müller Gertrud
Published: February 2014

This study aimed to identify the parasites that inhabit the digestive system of Sus scrofa scrofa from a commercial breeding facility in southern Brazil, and reports the first occurrence of Trichostrongylus colubriformis in wild boars. The gastrointestinal tracts of 40 wild boars from a commercial breeding facility were collected and individualized during slaughter in a cold-storage slaughterhouse. Out of this total, 87.5% were parasitized by the helminths Ascaris suum,Trichostrongylus colubriformis, Oesophagostomum dentatum and Trichuris suis. T. colubriformis presented a prevalence of 45%, mean intensity of 28.4 and mean abundance of 12.8. The data from this study showed that T. colubriformis not only has a capacity to develop in the small intestines of wild boars, but also adapts well to animals raised in captivity, thus representing a possible cause of economic loss in commercial wild boar farming.
Leishmania (Leishmania)hertigi in a porcupine (Coendou sp.) found in Brasília, Federal District, Brazil
Authors: Silva Denise Amaro da , Madeira Maria de Fatima , Barbosa Filho Carlos José Lima , Schubach Edvar Yuri Paheco , Barros Juliana Helena da Silva , Figueiredo Fabiano Borges
Published: February 2014

Studies report the occurrence of Leishmania(Leishmania) hertigi in northern states of Brazil. In the present investigation, we describe the isolation ofL. (L.) hertigi from a porcupine (Coendou sp.) found in Brasília, Federal District, center-west region of Brazil. During a study on canine visceral leishmaniasis conducted in the city of Brasília, Federal District, a porcupine was found dead on a public road. The animal was identified and fragments of intact skin and spleen were collected for isolation of parasite in the culture. This report of the occurrence of L. hertigi in another part of Brazil may help establish the distribution of this parasite in the country. Further studies are needed to better understand the role of L. hertigi in the pathology and pathogenesis of leishmaniasis and its survival in mammals and possible vectors.
Natural infection by endoparasites among free-living wild animals
Authors: Holsback Luciane , Cardoso Mauro José Lahm , Fagnani Rafael , Patelli Thaís Helena Constantino
Published: February 2014

The objective of this study was to investigate the frequency of occurrence and variety of intestinal parasites among free-living wild animals. Fecal samples from wild mammals and birds at rehabilitation centers in the states of Mato Grosso do Sul and São Paulo were analyzed by sedimentation and flotation-centrifugation methods. Parasite eggs, oocysts, cysts and/or trophozoites were found in 71% of the samples. Cryptosporidiumsp. oocysts were detected in fecal samples from oncillas (Leopardus tigrinus) and scaly-headed parrots (Pionus maximiliani). Giardia cysts were identified in the feces of a gray brocket (Mazama gouazoubira). Among the most common parasites found, there were eggs from Toxocara cati,Toxascaris leonina and Ancylostoma tubaeforme, and from Cestoda. Several Enterobiussp. eggs were found in the feces of red howler monkeys (Alouatta seniculus). It can be concluded from this study that despite the small number of samples, the diversity of parasites found was noteworthy. Additional information about parasite endofauna in wild animals is needed, since their presence might suggest that there could be proximity to and interactions with domestic animals and/or humans. In addition, further studies on parasites from free-living wild animals are of prime importance for understanding the intensity of anthropic changes in wild environments.
Trypanoxyuris (Paraoxyuronema)lagothricis (Nematoda: Oxyuridae) in Lagothrix cana (Primates: Atelidae) from Brazil
Authors: Pinto Hudson Alves , Ferreira Junior Francisco Carlos , Mati Vitor Luís Tenório , Melo Alan Lane de
Published: February 2014

During necropsy of a specimen of Lagothrix cana (É. Geoffroy, 1812) (Primates: Atelidae) from the Brazilian Amazon, pinworms were found in the large intestine. The intensity of infection was 64 parasites (17 males and 47 females) and there were no gross pathological changes related to parasitism. After morphological analysis the parasites were identified asTrypanoxyuris (Paraoxyuronema)lagothricis (Buckley, 1931) (Nematoda: Oxyuridae). This is the first record of this oxyurid species in primates in Brazil.
Silage Fermentation Characteristics of Italian Ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) Harvested at Various Times on a Sunny Day
Authors: Guo Gang , Yu ChengQun , Wang Qi , Xin PengCheng , Shimojo Masataka , Shao Tao
Published: February 2014

Grasses exhibit diurnal variation in chemical composition and epiphytic microorganisms, which may influence the natural fermentation attributes of silage. The objective was to determine the effect of diurnal changes on chemical composition and epiphytic microorganisms and these effects on fermentation quality of unwilted Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) silage. Primary growth of Italian ryegrass was harvested in the heading stage at 0800 (AM), 1300 (M) and 1800 h (PM) on three sunny days. Each cutting time was assayed in triplicate in laboratory silos and sampled after 30 d (cutting Day 1) or serial days until 30 d (other cutting days) to analyze the fermentation attributes and microbial counts. Bacterial community was determined by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) on pre‐ and post‐ensiled forage samples, which were harvested on cutting Day 2. The results showed that fermentation instability for the silage made with M‐cut forage, which had fewer lactic acid bacteria (LAB) species in the early phase of ensiling and where Clostridium sp. was present but no Lactobacillus plantarum at the end of ensiling, resulted in higher (P < 0.05) pH value, NH3–N, and butyric acid for 30‐d fermented silages than those made with AM‐ and PM‐cut forages. The concentrations of dry matter (DM) and lactic acid were higher (P < 0.05) and the silage pH and NH3–N were lower (P < 0.05) for silage made with PM‐cut forage as compared to those made with AM‐cut forages. Italian ryegrass cut at 1800 h was associated with good silage fermentation attributes.
Identification of Quantitative Trait Loci for Fiber Quality Properties on Homoeologous Chromosomes 13 and 18 of Gossypium klotzschianum
Authors: Xu Peng , Cao Zhibin , Zhang Xianggui , Gao Jin , Zhang Xia , Shen Xinlian
Published: February 2014

Exotic Gossypium germplasms are rich sources of useful agronomic traits for cultivated cotton improvement programs. The efficient use of genetic variation available in the wild relatives depends on the ability to identify and introgress their desirable DNA segments from wild species into cultivated cotton. To introgress favorable genes from G. klotzschianum into G. hirsutum, a BC1F2 population derived from (Simian 2 × G. klotzschianum) × Simian 2 was constructed. Single marker analysis showed that the simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers BNL2652, NAU1201, and NAU1141 on chromosome 13 were significantly correlated with fiber length and micronaire value in a small BC1F2–derived population. To confirm the genetic effects of G. klotzschianum loci on fiber quality, the BC2F3 and BC2F4 populations (716 individuals/lines) were then developed by crossing BC1F2 individuals containing target segments of chromosome 13 from G. klotzschianum to the recurrent parent Simian 2. In total, 171 SSR markers from chromosome 13 and its homoeologous chromosome 18 were used to analyze the BC2F3 population. A total of 8 quantitative loci (QTL), 3 for fiber length, 2 for miconaire, and 3 for fiber strength, were detected on these two chromosomes. The fiber length QTL identified in the BC1F2 population, qFL‐13–1, was confirmed in the BC2F3 and BC2F4 populations, which accounted for 7.3 and 7.0% of the phenotypic variance, respectively. The G. klotzschianum allele increased fiber length. The QTL for fiber micronaire detected in the BC1F2 population, qFMIC‐13–1, was also confirmed in the BC2F3 and BC2F4 populations, which accounted for 11.2 and 7.2% of the phenotypic variance, respectively. The G. klotzschianum allele decreased the micronaire value. Two other QTL on chromosome 18 for fiber length (qFL‐18–2) and micronaire (qFMIC‐18–1) were also detected in both generations. Furthermore, a pair of putative homoeologous QTL for fiber length, qFL‐13–1 and qFL‐18–2, was identified. This study showed that some G. klotzschianum loci associated with fiber quality can be successfully transferred into upland cotton and display genetic stability.
Temperature and Light Requirements for Miscanthus sinensis Laboratory Germination Test
Authors: Christian Erik J. , Susana Goggi A. , Moore Kenneth J.
Published: February 2014

A seed germination protocol for Miscanthus sinensis Andersson is not available. Our objectives were to evaluate requirements for germination. Eight seed lots (four varieties and two production years) were germinated at four regimes of two alternating temperatures: 15/25, 15/30, 20/30, and 16/22°C for 16 and 8 h, respectively; with or without light; and with gibberellic acid (GA3), KNO3, prechill (5°C), or water (control) treatments (32 treatment combinations). Fresh seeds (from 2011) germinated best at the combination of 20/30°C, whereas seeds from 2010 were not affected by temperature. This difference may suggest the presence of dormancy, as seed germination was enhanced by prechill and GA3. Light was not a significant factor. These results provide a basis for developing a standard germination protocol.
Evolution of Herbicide Resistance in Lolium rigidum under Low Herbicide Rates: An Australian Experience
Authors: Manalil Sudheesh
Published: February 2014

Recent studies have shown the potential of lower than recommended herbicide rates to enhance the herbicide resistance level of a troublesome weed, annual ryegrass (Lolium rigidum Gaud.). Rapid evolution of herbicide resistance was possible, because low herbicide rates could select for minor traits and their accumulation through cross‐pollination. These studies are highly relevant for the reason that low herbicide rates prevail in global agriculture—particularly in Australia, where recommended herbicide rates are the lowest in the world. In addition, growers use lower than recommended rates for economic reasons and there is no bio‐regulatory authority to control the use of herbicides. Indeed, low herbicide rate alone would not lead to rapid evolution of herbicide resistance, but its interaction with the genetic and biological potential of a target weed species is also crucial to decide the pace of herbicide resistance evolution. Alarmingly, L. rigidum is genetically highly variable and possesses many biological and genetic attributes that aid this species to augment resistance mechanisms to combat the never‐ending herbicide selection pressure. In this review, the biological and genetic potential of this cross‐pollinating species to evolve as one of the most troublesome weeds is examined. In that way, this review would be a practical lesson to frame future herbicide resistance management strategies for troublesome weeds in global agriculture. A diversified herbicide‐use pattern and integration of appropriate nonchemical methods are envisaged to minimize the pace of herbicide resistance evolution. Another important message is that herbicides should be used only at the recommended rates.
A Non‐thermal Plasma Seed Treatment Method for Management of a Seedborne Fungal Pathogen on Rice Seed
Authors: Jo Young‐Ki , Cho Jaemin , Tsai Tsung‐Chan , Staack David , Kang Mi‐Hyung , Roh Jae‐Hwan , Shin Dong‐Bum , Cromwell William , Gross Dennis
Published: February 2014

Seeds contaminated with pathogens are the primary inoculum for plant diseases in many food crops. Conventional treatments for seedborne diseases use hot water, chlorine or fungicide applications. A novel seed treatment method based on non‐thermal plasma generated by an air dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) device was evaluated in this study as an alternative to these conventional treatments. The non‐thermal plasma at atmospheric pressure and room temperature consisted of partially‐ionized gases that are chemically reactive. The antimicrobial activity of non‐thermal plasma was evaluated against an important seedborne pathogen, Gibberella fujikuroi, that causes bakanae disease in rice. Non‐thermal plasma treatments effectively inhibited the growth of G. fujikuroi on nutrient growth medium and reduced the number of fungal colony forming units (CFU) on the rice seed surface by > 92% after 120 s exposure. Effective exposure times to 50% (ET50) and 90% (ET90) control of G. fujikuroi CFU on the seed surface were 9 and 76 s, respectively. Ten minutes of non‐thermal plasma treatment on seeds infested with G. fujikuroi significantly reduced disease development. No adverse effects were detected on the seedling emergence and height when non‐infested seeds were treated with non‐thermal plasma for up to 20 min. The treated seeds germinated and grew similarly compared with non‐treated non‐infested seeds. This study indicates that non‐thermal plasma had antifungal activity and showed potential as an effective disinfection technique to reduce the contamination of seedborne fungal pathogens from seed surfaces without compromising seed health.
Detection and Confirmation of Quantitative Trait Loci for Soybean Seed Isoflavones
Authors: Smallwood Christopher J. , Nyinyi Catherine N. , Kopsell Dean A. , Sams Carl E. , West Dennis R. , Chen Pengyin , Kantartzi Stella K. , Cregan Perry B. , Hyten David L. , Pantalone Vincent R.
Published: February 2014

Interest in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] isoflavones has increased in recent years owing to numerous reported health benefits. Consequently, quantitative trait loci (QTL) detection for marker‐assisted breeding for isoflavones is being examined for genetic gains. This study sought to detect QTL for soybean isoflavones in a population of 274 recombinant inbred lines derived from a cross between ‘Essex’ and ‘Williams 82’ that were subdivided and tested by maturity (early, mid, and late). The field tests were conducted in three environments in 2009 (Knoxville, TN; Harrisburg, IL; and Stuttgart, AR). The population was genotyped with 480 polymorphic single nucleotide polymorphism markers. Isoflavones for each replicate were analyzed by near infrared reflectance spectroscopy, whose prediction equation was based on high performance liquid chromatography. Each maturity test, containing 91 or 92 recombinant inbred lines, was analyzed separately for QTL. In total, 21 QTL were detected: 7 for genistein (chromosomes 5, 6, 9, 13, 17, and 19), 5 for daidzein (chromosomes 5, 6, 9, 13, and 19), 3 for glycitein (chromosomes 6, 9, and 20), and 6 for total isoflavone content (chromosomes 5, 6, 9, 13, and 19). Of these 21 QTL, 12 were confirmed or positional confirmations from other studies. Utilization of these QTL could potentially lead to marker‐assisted selection approaches for genetic gains in improving soybean isoflavones.