bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genotype analysis of the wheat semidwarf Rht‐B1b and Rht‐D1b ancestral lineage
Authors: Wilhelm Edward P. , Boulton Margaret I. , Barber Tobias E. S. , Greenland Andy J. , Powell Wayne
Published: October 2013

In wheat, semidwarfism resulting from reduced height (Rht)‐B1b and Rht‐D1b was integral to the ‘green revolution’. The principal donors of these alleles are ‘Norin 10’, ‘Seu Seun 27’ and ‘Suwon 92’ that, according to historical records, inherited semidwarfism from the Japanese landrace ‘Daruma’. The objective of this study was to examine the origins of Rht‐B1b and Rht‐D1b by growing multiple seed bank sources of cultivars comprising the historical pedigrees of the principal donor lines and scoring Rht‐1 genotype and plant height. This revealed that ‘Norin 10’ and ‘Suwon 92’ sources contained Rht‐B1b and Rht‐D1b, but the ‘Seu Seun 27’ source did not contain a semidwarf allele. Neither Rht‐B1b nor Rht‐D1b could be definitively traced back to ‘Daruma’, and both ‘Daruma’ sources contained only Rht‐B1b. However, ‘Daruma’ remains the most likely donor of Rht‐B1b and Rht‐D1b. We suggest that the disparity between historical pedigrees and Rht‐1 genotypes occurs because the genetic make‐up of seed bank sources differs from that of the cultivars actually used in the pedigrees. Some evidence also suggests that an alternative Rht‐D1b donor may exist.
High‐resolution array‐CGH in patients with oculocutaneous albinism identifies new deletions of the TYR, OCA2, and SLC45A2 genes and a complex rearrangement of the OCA2 gene
Authors: Morice‐Picard Fanny , Lasseaux Eulalie , Cailley Dorothée , Gros Audrey , Toutain Jérome , Plaisant Claudio , Simon Delphine , François Stéphane , Gilbert‐Dussardier Brigitte , Kaplan Josseline , Rooryck Caroline , Lacombe Didier , Arveiler Benoit
Published: October 2013

Oculocutaneous albinism (OCA) is caused by mutations in six different genes, and their molecular diagnosis encompasses the search for point mutations and intragenic rearrangements. Here, we used high‐resolution array‐comparative genome hybridization (CGH) to search for rearrangements across exons, introns and regulatory sequences of four OCA genes: TYR, OCA2, TYRP1, and SLC45A2. We identified a total of ten new deletions in TYR, OCA2, and SLC45A2. A complex rearrangement of OCA2 was found in two unrelated patients. Whole‐genome sequencing showed deletion of a 184‐kb fragment (identical to a deletion previously found in Polish patients), whereby a large portion of the deleted sequence was re‐inserted after severe reshuffling into intron 1 of OCA2. The high‐resolution array‐CGH presented here is a powerful tool to detect gene rearrangements. Finally, we review all known deletions of the OCA1–4 genes reported so far in the literature and show that deletions or duplications account for 5.6% of all mutations identified in the OCA1–4 genes.
Is cannabis neurotoxic for the healthy brain? A meta‐analytical review of structural brain alterations in non‐psychotic users
Authors: Rocchetti Matteo , Crescini Alessandra , Borgwardt Stefan , Caverzasi Edgardo , Politi Pierluigi , Atakan Zerrin , Fusar‐Poli Paolo
Published: October 2013

Aims

Despite growing research in the field of cannabis imaging, mostly in those with a psychotic illness, the possible neurotoxic effects of smoked cannabis on the healthy brain have yet to be fully understood. There appears to be a need to evaluate the existing imaging data on the neuroanatomical effects of cannabis use on non‐psychotic populations.

Methods

We conducted a meta‐analytical review to estimate the putative neurotoxic effect of cannabis in non‐psychotic subjects who were using or not using cannabis. We specifically tested the hypothesis that cannabis use can alter grey and white matter in non‐psychotic subjects.

Results

Our systematic literature search uncovered 14 studies meeting the inclusion criteria for the meta‐analysis. The overall database comprised 362 users and 365 non‐users. At the level of the individual studies there is limited and contrasting evidence supporting a cannabis‐related alteration on the white and grey matter structures of non‐psychotic cannabis users. However, our meta‐analysis showed a consistent smaller hippocampus in users as compared to non‐users. Heterogeneity across study designs, image acquisition, small sample sizes and limited availability of regions of interest to be included in the meta‐analysis may undermine the core findings of this study.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that in the healthy brain, chronic and long‐term cannabis exposure may exert significant effects in brain areas enriched with cannabinoid receptors, such as the hippocampus, which could be related to a neurotoxic action.
Review of mental‐health‐related stigma in Japan
Authors: Ando Shuntaro , Yamaguchi Sosei , Aoki Yuta , Thornicroft Graham
Published: October 2013

The aim of this study is to understand the nature and characteristics of mental‐health‐related stigma among Japanese people. We searched relevant studies in English or Japanese published since 2001 using MEDLINE and PsycINFO, and found 19 studies that examined mental‐health‐related stigma in Japan. Regarding knowledge about mental illness, reviewed studies showed that in the Japanese general population, few people think that people can recover from mental disorders. Psychosocial factors, including weakness of personality, are often considered the cause of mental illness, rather than biological factors. In addition, the majority of the general public in Japan keep a greater social distance from individuals with mental illness, especially in close personal relationships. Schizophrenia is more stigmatized than depression, and its severity increases the stigmatizing attitude toward mental illness. The literature also showed an association between more direct social contact between health professionals and individuals with mental illness and less stigmatization by these professionals. Less stigmatization by mental health professionals may be associated with accumulation of clinical experience and daily contact with people who have mental illness. Stigmatizing attitudes in Japan are stronger than in Taiwan or Australia, possibly due to institutionalism, lack of national campaigns to tackle stigma, and/or society's valuing of conformity in Japan. Although educational programs appear to be effective in reducing mental‐health‐related stigma, future programs in Japan need to address problems regarding institutionalism and offer direct social contact with people with mental illness.
Do people cope with situations as they say? Relationship between perceived coping style and actual coping response
Authors: Shikai Noriko , Nagata Toshiaki , Kitamura Toshinori
Published: October 2013

Aim

The coping style that individuals think they will use when encountering stressful situations may differ from actual coping response in real situations.

Methods

In a longitudinal study on some 500 university students, perceived coping style was identified using the Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations on the first occasion. In the subsequent eight test occasions, which occurred on a weekly basis, the students were asked about a negative life event that occurred during the past week and the actual coping responses they used.

Results

The perceived coping style and the actual coping response matched well for task‐oriented and emotion‐oriented coping. For avoidance‐oriented coping, however, perceived coping style and actual coping response were weakly correlated.

Conclusion

Epidemiological studies on coping and mental health should discriminate coping style and coping response. Clinicians should be cautious about patients' own information about avoidance‐oriented coping.
Three‐Dimensional Stereophotogrammetry: A Novel Method in Volumetric Measurement of Infantile Hemangioma
Authors: Hermans Denise J. J. , Maal Thomas J. J. , Bergé Stefaan J. , van der Vleuten Catharina J. M.
Published: October 2013

Accurate and objective measurement of volume changes in infantile hemangiomas (IHs) is essential in routine clinical practice and clinical studies, particularly in the changing therapeutic landscape after the discovery of propranolol. Several bedside techniques for volume measurement have been described in the literature, but an objective method of measurement of this variable, dynamic vascular tumor is lacking. Three‐dimensional (3D) phototechnology with data analysis is an up‐and‐coming technique in the objective measurement of facial volume changes. In this pilot study, the usability and clinical relevance of two methods of 3D stereophotogrammetry in the volume measurement of IH were explored.
Post‐transplant recurrence of atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome in a patient with thrombomodulin mutation
Authors: Sinibaldi Serena , Guzzo Isabella , Piras Rossella , Bresin Elena , Emma Francesco , Dello Strologo Luca
Published: October 2013

HUS is characterized by hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and acute renal failure. While “typical” HUS is usually associated with Shiga toxin‐producing Escherichia coli infections and recovers in the majority of cases, aHUS is caused by mutations of complement components or antibodies against CFH leading to uncontrolled activation of alternative complement pathway and often to ESRD. Recently, THBD gene mutations have been reported in aHUS. Theoretically, the risk of disease recurrence after renal transplantation should be low because THBD is primarily a membrane‐bound protein expressed by endothelial cells; however, a small proportion of THBD is present as a soluble form in plasma. We report the case of a 19‐yr‐old man with aHUS secondary to a THBD mutation that relapsed twice after two renal transplantations performed 12 yr apart. Despite successful control of HUS with plasma exchange and eculizumab after the second transplantation, the graft was ultimately lost due to severe steroid‐resistant cellular rejection. The present report suggests that THBD mutations may favor‐relapse of aHUS after renal transplantation.
Left ventricular myocardial performance index change for detection of acute cellular rejection in pediatric heart transplantation
Authors: Flanagan Ryan , Cain Nicole , Tatum Gregory H. , DeBrunner Mark G. , Drant Stacey , Feingold Brian
Published: October 2013

EMB, the gold standard for diagnosis of ACR, poses unique risks in children. Limited cross‐sectional data have associated LV MPI with ACR. We hypothesize that a relative change in MPI from baseline without ACR to the time of ACR will better detect ACR than an absolute threshold LV MPI value. We identified 40 children with ACR ≥60 days post‐transplant matching them by age and time from transplantation to 40 children without ACR. There was a significant increase in LV MPI at time of ACR vs. baseline (0.59 ± 0.17 vs. 0.41 ± 0.11; p < 0.001). There was no difference in LV MPI between baseline and follow‐up (0.41 ± 0.11 vs. 0.42 ± 0.11; p = 0.65). An absolute increase in LV MPI of ≥0.47 had 82.5% sensitivity and 85% specificity for ACR, whereas an increase in LV MPI from baseline of ≥20.4% was 90% sensitive and 100% specific. Serial measurement of LV MPI appears to be a sensitive and specific marker of ACR. LV MPI shows good interobserver agreement and increases at the time of EMB‐proven ACR with subsequent resolution to baseline measurements upon EMB‐proven resolution of ACR. Future studies in larger, prospective cohorts should be undertaken to validate these findings.
Participatory Design of an Integrated Information System Design to Support Public Health Nurses and Nurse Managers
Authors: Reeder Blaine , Hills Rebecca A. , Turner Anne M. , Demiris George
Published: October 2013

Objectives

The objectives of the study were to use persona‐driven and scenario‐based design methods to create a conceptual information system design to support public health nursing.

Design and Sample

We enrolled 19 participants from two local health departments to conduct an information needs assessment, create a conceptual design, and conduct a preliminary design validation.

Measures

Interviews and thematic analysis were used to characterize information needs and solicit design recommendations from participants. Personas were constructed from participant background information, and scenario‐based design was used to create a conceptual information system design. Two focus groups were conducted as a first iteration validation of information needs, personas, and scenarios.

Results

Eighty‐nine information needs were identified. Two personas and 89 scenarios were created. Public health nurses and nurse managers confirmed the accuracy of information needs, personas, scenarios, and the perceived usefulness of proposed features of the conceptual design. Design artifacts were modified based on focus group results.

Conclusion

Persona‐driven design and scenario‐based design are feasible methods to design for common work activities in different local health departments. Public health nurses and nurse managers should be engaged in the design of systems that support their work.
Expectations and Self‐Efficacy of African American Parents Who Discuss Sexuality with their Adolescent Sons: An Intervention Study
Authors: Weekes Carmon V. N. , Haas Barbara K. , Gosselin Kevin P.
Published: October 2013

Objective

Despite research that suggests parental communication may help deter high‐risk sexual behavior among adolescents, parents report a lack of confidence in their ability to answer sexually related questions. The purpose of this study was to test the effect of a multimedia intervention on outcome expectations and perceived self‐efficacy for the sex educator role for parents of African American adolescent males.

Design and Sample

A pilot study using mixed methods was conducted. A nonprobability sample (N = 61) was obtained from a large urban community using a combination of convenience and snowball recruitment methods.

Measures

Self‐efficacy and outcome expectations were measured using self‐reported questionnaires.

Intervention

A multimedia intervention for use at home and incorporating an audio CD and associated activities was implemented over a 3‐week time period.

Results

Outcome expectations and self‐efficacy both significantly improved after the intervention (p < .001).

Conclusions

Findings indicate that using a multimedia approach may be effective in improving parents' outcome expectancy and self‐efficacy for talking about sex with adolescent sons.
Substituent Effect on the Photolability of 4‐Aryl‐1,4‐Dihydropyridines
Authors: García Cristóbal , Cabezas Karina , Nonell Santi , Núñez‐Vergara Luis J. , Morales Javier , Günther Germán , Pizarro Nancy
Published: October 2013

The electronic nature of substituents attached to the 4‐aryl moiety of 1,4‐dihydropyridines strongly affects the photophysical and photochemical behavior of these family of compounds. The presence of an electron donor substituent on the 4‐aryl moiety (or the absence of electron‐withdrawing ones) modifies the luminescence lifetimes (τ < 100 ps) and diminishes the photodecomposition quantum yields. For electron‐withdrawing substituents, the photodegradation quantum yield is affected by the media, changing more than two orders of magnitude as the polarity is increased. Studies in micellar media allow us to conclude that 4‐aryl‐1,4‐dihydropyridines are located near to the interface; however, the surface charge of micelles has no effect on the photodegradation rate constant or the photoproducts profile. The main conclusion of this work is that the photolability of 4‐aryl‐1,4‐dihydropyridines can be significantly reduced by the incorporation of antioxidant moieties.
Spectral and Spatial UV Sky Radiance Measurements at a Seaside Resort Under Clear Sky and Slightly Overcast Conditions
Authors: Sandmann Henner , Stick Carsten
Published: October 2013

Spatial measurements of the diffusely scattered sky radiance at a seaside resort under clear sky and slightly overcast conditions have been used to calculate the sky radiance distribution across the upper hemisphere. The measurements were done in the summer season when solar UV radiation is highest. The selected wavelengths were 307, 350 and 550 nm representing the UVB, UVA and VIS band. Absolute values of radiance differ considerably between the wavelengths. Normalizing the measured values by use of direct solar radiance made the spatial distributions of unequal sky radiance comparable. The results convey a spatial impression of the different distributions of the radiance at the three wavelengths. Relative scattered radiance intensity is one order of magnitude greater in UVB than in VIS, whereas in UVA lies roughly in between. Under slightly overcast conditions scattered radiance is increased at all three wavelengths by about one order of magnitude. These measurements taken at the seaside underline the importance of diffuse scattered radiance. The effect of shading parts of the sky can be estimated from the distribution of sky radiance. This knowledge might be useful for sun seekers and in the treatment of people staying at the seaside for therapeutic purposes.
Genetic diversity and population structure of Lantana camara in India indicates multiple introductions and gene flow
Authors: Ray A. , Quader S.
Published: October 2013

Lantana camara is a highly invasive plant, which has spread over 60 countries and island groups of Asia, Africa and Australia. In India, it was introduced in the early nineteenth century, since when it has expanded and gradually established itself in almost every available ecosystem. We investigated the genetic diversity and population structure of this plant in India in order to understand its introduction, subsequent range expansion and gene flow. A total of 179 individuals were sequenced at three chloroplast loci and 218 individuals were genotyped for six nuclear microsatellites. Both chloroplasts (nine haplotypes) and microsatellites (83 alleles) showed high genetic diversity. Besides, each type of marker confirmed the presence of private polymorphism. We uncovered low to medium population structure in both markers, and found a faint signal of isolation by distance with microsatellites. Bayesian clustering analyses revealed multiple divergent genetic clusters. Taken together, these findings (i.e. high genetic diversity with private alleles and multiple genetic clusters) suggest that Lantana was introduced multiple times and gradually underwent spatial expansion with recurrent gene flow.
The metabolic response of cultured tomato cells to low oxygen stress
Authors: Ampofo‐Asiama J. , Baiye V. M. M. , Hertog M. L. A. T. M. , Waelkens E. , Geeraerd A. H. , Nicolai B. M.
Published: October 2013

The storage of fruits and vegetables under a controlled atmosphere can induce low oxygen stress, which can lead to post‐harvest losses through the induction of disorders such as core breakdown and browning. To gain better understanding of the metabolic response of plant organs to low oxygen, cultured tomato cells (Lycopersicum esculentum) were used as a model system to study the metabolic stress response to low oxygen (0 and 1 kPa O2). By adding 13C labelled glucose, changes in the levels of polar metabolites and their 13C label accumulation were quantified. Low oxygen stress altered the metabolite profile of tomato cells, with the accumulation of the intermediates of glycolysis in addition to increases in lactate and sugar alcohols. 13C label data showed reduced label accumulation in almost all metabolites except lactate and some sugar alcohols. The results showed that low oxygen stress in tomato cell culture activated fermentative metabolism and sugar alcohol synthesis while inhibiting the activity of the TCA cycle and the biosynthesis of metabolites whose precursors are derived from central metabolism, including fluxes to most organic acids, amino acids and sugars.
Designing Efficient Infrastructural Investment and Asset Transfer Mechanisms in Humanitarian Supply Chains
Authors: Bhattacharya Shantanu , Hasija Sameer , Van Wassenhove Luk N.
Published: October 2013

We analyze the efficacy of different asset transfer mechanisms and provide policy recommendations for the design of humanitarian supply chains. As a part of their preparedness effort, humanitarian organizations often make decisions on resource investments ex ante because doing so allows for rapid response if an adverse event occurs. However, programs typically operate under funding constraints and donor earmarks with autonomous decision‐making authority resting with the local entities, which makes the design of efficient humanitarian supply chains a challenging problem. We formulate this problem in an agency setting with two independent aid programs, where different asset transfer mechanisms are considered and where investments in resources are of two types: primary resources that are needed for providing the aid and infrastructural investments that improve the operation of the aid program in using the primary resources. The primary resources are acquired from earmarked donations. We show that allowing aid programs the flexibility of transferring primary resources improves the efficiency of the system by yielding greater social welfare than when this flexibility does not exist. More importantly, we show that a central entity that can acquire primary resources from one program and sell them to the other program can further improve system efficiency by providing a mechanism that facilitates the transfer of primary resources and eliminates losses from gaming. This outcome is achieved without depriving the individual aid programs of their decision‐making autonomy while maintaining the constraints under which they operate. We find that outcomes with centralized resource transfer but decentralized infrastructural investments by the aid programs are the same as with a completely centralized system (where both resource transfer and infrastructural investments are centralized).
Personality, Childhood Experience, and Political Ideology
Authors: De Neve Jan‐Emmanuel
Published: October 2013

This article studies the relationship between the “big five” personality traits and political ideology in a large U.S. representative sample (N = 14,672). In line with research in political psychology, “openness to experience” is found to predict liberal ideology, and “conscientiousness” predicts conservative ideology. The availability of family clusters in the data is leveraged to show that these results are robust to a sibling fixed‐effects specification. The way that personality might interact with environmental influences in the development of ideology is also explored. A variety of childhood experiences are studied that may have a differential effect on political ideology based on a respondent's personality profile. Childhood trauma is found to interact with “openness” in predicting ideology, and this complex relationship is investigated using mediation analysis. These findings provide new evidence for the idea that differences in political ideology are deeply intertwined with variation in the nature and nurture of individual personalities.
Not in My Backyard! Authoritarianism, Social Dominance Orientation, and Support for Strict Immigration Policies at Home and Abroad
Authors: Craig Maureen A. , Richeson Jennifer A.
Published: October 2013

Many controversial immigration policies have recently emerged across the United States and abroad. We explore the role of national context in shaping support for such policies. Specifically, we examine whether the extent to which ideological attitudes—Right‐Wing Authoritarianism (RWA) and Social Dominance Orientation (SDO)—predict policy support is moderated by the national context of the policy. Across three studies, United States citizens read about a controversial immigration policy affecting either their own country (United States) or a foreign country (Israel or Singapore) and indicated their support for the policy. Results reveal that SDO predicts policy support, regardless of its national context; this effect is mediated by perceived competition. Conversely, RWA predicts policy support only if the policy affects domestic immigration; this effect is mediated by perceptions of cultural threat. Consistent with prior research, the present findings highlight the role of perceived cultural threat to one's ingroup and perceived competition in shaping attitudes toward immigration and shed light on some of the motivations underlying the recent rise in popularity of strict immigration policies.
Leptosphaeria spp., phoma stem canker and potential spread of L. maculans on oilseed rape crops in China
Authors: Zhang X. , White R. P. , Demir E. , Jedryczka M. , Lange R. M. , Islam M. , Li Z. Q. , Huang Y. J. , Hall A. M. , Zhou G. , Wang Z. , Cai X. , Skelsey P. , Fitt B. D. L.
Published: October 2013

In China, the incidence of phoma stem canker observed in pre‐harvest surveys from 2005 to 2012 was greater on winter oilseed rape in provinces in central China (in May) than on spring oilseed rape in north China (in August). In all 742 cases when the causal pathogen was isolated from stem cankers, it was identified as Leptosphaeria biglobosa by morphology in culture and/or by species‐specific polymerase chain reaction. Both L. biglobosa and Leptosphaeria maculans were detected on crop debris and seed in shipments of oilseed rape seed imported into China through Shanghai or Wuhan ports in 2009–2011. Descriptions of the observed spread of L. maculans into areas previously colonized by L. biglobosa across a spring oilseed rape growing region (Alberta, Canada, westwards, 1984–1998) and across a winter oilseed rape growing region (Poland, eastwards, 1984–2004) were used to estimate the potential westward spread of L. maculans in China across spring oilseed rape growing regions (north China) and winter oilseed rape growing regions (central China, generally provinces along the Yangtze River), respectively. The rates of spread were estimated as 47 km per year across spring oilseed rape in north China and 70 km per year across winter oilseed rape in central China. Dispersal modelling suggested that the rate of spread of L. maculans across Alberta, Canada (c. 17 km per year) could be explained by windborne dispersal of ascospores.
Extracellular matrix‐associated proteome changes during non‐host resistance in citrus–Xanthomonas interactions
Authors: Swaroopa Rani Tirupaati , Podile Appa Rao
Published: October 2013

Non‐host resistance (NHR) is a most durable broad‐spectrum resistance employed by the plants to restrict majority of pathogens. Plant extracellular matrix (ECM) is a critical defense barrier. Understanding ECM responses during interaction with non‐host pathogen will provide insights into molecular events of NHR. In this study, the ECM‐associated proteome was compared during interaction of citrus with pathogen Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri (Xac) and non‐host pathogen Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) at 8, 16, 24 and 48 h post inoculation. Comprehensive analysis of ECM‐associated proteins was performed by extracting wall‐bound and soluble ECM components using both destructive and non‐destructive procedures. A total of 53 proteins was differentially expressed in citrus–Xanthomonas host and non‐host interaction, out of which 44 were identified by mass spectrometry. The differentially expressed proteins were related to (1) defense‐response (5 pathogenesis‐related proteins, 3 miraculin‐like proteins (MIR, MIR1 and MIR2) and 2 proteases); (2) enzymes of reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolism [Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD), Fe‐SOD, ascorbate peroxidase and 2‐cysteine‐peroxiredoxin]; (3) signaling (lectin, curculin‐like lectin and concanavalin A‐like lectin kinase); and (4) cell‐wall modification (α‐xylosidase, glucan 1, 3 β‐glucosidase, xyloglucan endotransglucosylase/hydrolase). The decrease in ascorbate peroxidase and cysteine‐peroxiredoxin could be involved in maintenance of ROS levels. Increase in defense, cell‐wall remodeling and signaling proteins in citrus–Xoo interaction suggests an active involvement of ECM in execution of NHR. Partially compromised NHR in citrus against Xoo, upon Brefeldin A pre‐treatment supported the role of non‐classical secretory proteins in this phenomenon.
Water stress and recovery in the performance of two Eucalyptus globulus clones: physiological and biochemical profiles
Authors: Correia Barbara , Pintó‐Marijuan Marta , Neves Lucinda , Brossa Ricard , Dias Maria Celeste , Costa Armando , Castro Bruno B. , Araújo Clara , Santos Conceição , Chaves Maria Manuela , Pinto Glória
Published: October 2013

Eucalyptus plantations are among the most productive forest stands in Portugal and Spain, being mostly used for pulp production and, more recently, as an energy crop. However, the region's Mediterranean climate, with characteristic severe summer drought, negatively affects eucalypt growth and increases mortality. Although the physiological response to water shortage is well characterized for this species, evidence about the plants' recovery ability remains scarce. In order to assess the physiological and biochemical response of Eucalyptus globulus during the recovery phase, two genotypes (AL‐18 and AL‐10) were submitted to a 3‐week water stress period at two different intensities (18 and 25% of field capacity), followed by 1 week of rewatering. Recovery was assessed 1 day and 1 week after rehydration. Drought reduced height, biomass, water potential, NPQ and gas exchange in both genotypes. Contrarily, the levels of pigments, chlorophyll fluorescence parameters (Fv/Fm and φPSII), MDA and ABA increased. During recovery, the physiological and biochemical profile of stressed plants showed a similar trend: they experienced reversion of altered traits (MDA, ABA, E, gs, pigments), while other parameters did not recover (φPSII, NPQ). Furthermore, an overcompensation of CO2 assimilation was achieved 1 week after rehydration, which was accompanied by greater growth and re‐establishment of oxidative balance. Both genotypes were tolerant to the tested conditions, although clonal differences were found. AL‐10 was more productive and showed a more rapid and dynamic response to rehydration (namely in carotenoid content, φPSII and NPQ) compared to clone AL‐18.
Initiation of vascular development
Authors: Ohashi‐Ito Kyoko , Fukuda Hiroo
Published: October 2013

The initiation of vascular development occurs during embryogenesis and the development of lateral organs, such as lateral roots and leaves. Understanding the mechanism underlying the initiation of vascular development has been an important goal of plant biologists. Auxin flow is a crucial factor involved in the initiation of vascular development. In addition, recent studies have identified key factors that regulate the establishment of vascular initial cells in embryos and roots. In this review, we summarize the recent findings in this field and discuss the initiation of vascular development.
Modeling transcriptional networks regulating secondary growth and wood formation in forest trees
Authors: Liu Lijun , Filkov Vladimir , Groover Andrew
Published: October 2013

The complex interactions among the genes that underlie a biological process can be modeled and presented as a transcriptional network, in which genes (nodes) and their interactions (edges) are shown in a graphical form similar to a wiring diagram. A large number of genes have been identified that are expressed during the radial woody growth of tree stems (secondary growth), but a comprehensive understanding of how these genes interact to influence woody growth is currently lacking. Modeling transcriptional networks has recently been made tractable by next‐generation sequencing‐based technologies that can comprehensively catalog gene expression and transcription factor‐binding genome‐wide, but has not yet been extensively applied to undomesticated tree species or woody growth. Here we discuss basic features of transcriptional networks, approaches for modeling biological networks, and examples of biological network models developed for forest trees to date. We discuss how transcriptional network research is being developed in the model forest tree genus, Populus, and how this research area can be further developed and applied. Transcriptional network models for forest tree secondary growth and wood formation could ultimately provide new predictive models to accelerate hypothesis‐driven research and develop new breeding applications.
Aulacoseira calypsi sp. nov. (Coscinodiscophyceae) from an Amazonian lake, northern Brazil
Authors: Tremarin Priscila Izabel , Paiva Rosildo Santos , Ludwig Thelma Veiga , Torgan Lezilda Carvalho
Published: October 2013

This paper describes a new diatom species, Aulacoseira calypsi Tremarin, Torgan & Ludwig, from specimens in plankton samples from Água Preta lake. This Amazonian lake is a shallow mesotrophic environment situated in northern Brazil. The species is characterized by long filaments united by spatulate linking spines, obovate to conic separation spines, a valve surface variably ornamented, straight striae on the mantle, a narrow ringleist, and one row of sessile rimoportulae near the ringleist. Aulacoseira calypsi's morphometric features are compared with the following similar species: Aulacoseira nygaardii (Camburn) Camburn & Charles, Aulacoseira lacustris (Grunow) Krammer, Aulacoseira coroniformis Pearce & Cremer, Aulacoseira occulta Siver & Hamilton, Aulacoseira lancea Siver & Hamilton, Aulacoseira gessneri (Hustedt) Simonsen, and Aulacoseira islandica (Müller) Simonsen. The species shares similarities as to frustule size, striation pattern, and narrowness of ringleist; but differs in the morphology of separation and linking spines, and the number and position of the rimoportulae.
Vision, quality of life and depressive symptoms after first eye cataract surgery
Authors: Fraser Michelle L. , Meuleners Lynn B. , Lee Andy H. , Ng Jonathon Q. , Morlet Nigel
Published: October 2013

Background

Cataract affects not only vision, but also performance of everyday tasks, participation in social activities, quality of life and possibly depression. Depression is a major health issue for older adults. It is estimated that 6%–20% of community‐dwelling older Australians experience depression. The aim of this study was to investigate changes in vision‐related quality of life and depressive symptoms after first eye cataract surgery and to determine which visual measures affect the change in these outcomes.

Methods

In 2009 and 2010, 99 participants with bilateral cataract were recruited. Visual measures including visual acuity, contrast sensitivity and stereopsis were assessed 1 week before and 12 weeks after first eye cataract surgery. Vision‐related quality of life was measured using the 25‐item National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire. Depressive symptoms were assessed by the 20‐item Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale. Separate regression analyses were undertaken to determine the association between visual measures and changes in vision‐related quality of life and depressive symptoms after first eye cataract surgery.

Results

Overall, vision‐related quality of life improved after first eye cataract surgery. There was a small, non‐clinically significant improvement in depressive symptoms after surgery. Improvement in vision‐related quality of life after first eye cataract surgery was associated with improved contrast sensitivity in the operated eye (P < 0.001), whereas improvement in depressive symptoms after surgery was associated with improved stereopsis (P = 0.032).

Conclusions

Contrast sensitivity and stereopsis, but not visual acuity, were significant factors affecting improvement in vision‐related quality of life or depressive symptoms after first eye cataract surgery.
Effect of synchronized or desynchronized music listening during osteopathic treatment: An EEG study
Authors: Mercadié Lolita , Caballe Julie , Aucouturier Jean‐Julien , Bigand Emmanuel
Published: October 2013

While background music is often used during osteopathic treatment, it remains unclear whether it facilitates treatment, and, if it does, whether it is listening to music or jointly listening to a common stimulus that is most important. We created three experimental situations for a standard osteopathic procedure in which patients and practitioner listened either to silence, to the same music in synchrony, or (unknowingly) to different desynchronized montages of the same material. Music had no effect on heart rate and arterial pressure pre‐ and posttreatment compared to silence, but EEG measures revealed a clear effect of synchronized versus desynchronized listening: listening to desynchronized music was associated with larger amounts of mu‐rhythm event‐related desynchronization (ERD), indicating decreased sensorimotor fluency compared to what was gained in the synchronized music listening condition. This result suggests that, if any effect can be attributed to music for osteopathy, it is related to its capacity to modulate empathy between patient and therapist and, further, that music does not systematically create better conditions for empathy than silence.
Auditory startle reflex inhibited by preceding self‐action
Authors: Kawachi Yousuke , Matsue Yoshihiko , Shibata Michiaki , Imaizumi Osamu , Gyoba Jiro
Published: October 2013

A startle reflex to a startle pulse is inhibited when preceded by a prestimulus. We introduced a key‐press action (self‐action) or an 85 dB noise burst as a prestimulus, followed by a 115 dBnoise burst as a startle pulse. We manipulated temporal offsets between the prestimulus and the startle pulse from 30–1,500 ms to examine whether self‐action modulates the startle reflex and the temporal properties of the modulatory effect. We assessed eyeblink reflexes by electromyography. Both prestimuli decreased reflexes compared to pulse‐alone trials. Moreover, the temporal windows of inhibition were different between the types of prestimuli. A faster maximal inhibition and narrower temporal window in self‐action trials suggest that preceding self‐action inhibits the startle reflex and allows prediction of the coming pulse in different ways from auditory prestimuli.
Irrealism and the Genealogy of Morals
Authors: Joyce Richard
Published: October 2013

Facts about the evolutionary origins of morality may have some kind of undermining effect on morality, yet the arguments that advocate this view are varied not only in their strategies but in their conclusions. The most promising such argument is modest: it attempts to shift the burden of proof in the service of an epistemological conclusion. This paper principally focuses on two other debunking arguments. First, I outline the prospects of trying to establish an error theory on genealogical grounds. Second, I discuss how a debunking strategy can work even under the assumption that noncognitivism is true.
Ethics Without Errors
Authors: Lenman James
Published: October 2013

I argue against the claim that we should adopt a moral error theory. The intelligibility of our moral practice need offer no questionable metaphysical hostages to fortune. The two most credible policy recommendations that might follow from moral error theory, abolitionism and prescriptive fictionalism, are not very credible.
Two Types of Features: An Aristotelian Approach
Authors: Gorman Michael
Published: October 2013

A certain theory of substance, one that grows out of Aristotelian philosophy but which has adherents today as well, draws a distinction between the features a substance has by instantiating a universal and the features it has by possessing a trope. An adherent of this theory might say that a certain cat is red because it possesses a redness‐trope, but that it is a cat because it instantiates the universal CAT. A problem that must be faced by philosophers who hold this sort of view is the following: Which features are which? In other words, which features are the ones had in virtue of trope‐possession, and which are the ones had in virtue of instantiation? In this paper I discuss this problem, consider and reject a competing view, and propose my own Aristotelian solution. I also raise and answer an objection.
On Being Annoyed
Authors: Roberts Tom
Published: October 2013

What is it that unites episodes of the emotion of annoyance? The paper considers possible analyses of the content of the state of annoyance, and concludes that this emotion should be understood to involve a negative construal of an object, event, or state of affairs as having failed to exemplify one of a suite of kinds of everyday quality or excellence. This account permits us to see what is common to a varied range of superficially‐disjointed emotional responses, and to make sense of the conditions under which annoyance is appropriate or inappropriate. Moreover, it reveals something of what we care about in everyday and social contexts, in our ordinary dealings with persons and artefacts.
Faultless Moral Disagreement
Authors: Hills Alison
Published: October 2013

Faultless disagreements are disagreements between two people, neither of whom has made a mistake or is at fault. It has been argued that there are faultless moral disagreements, that they cannot be accommodated by moral realism, and that in order to account for them, a form of relativism must be accepted. I argue that moral realism can accommodate faultless moral disagreement, provided that the phenomena is understood epistemically, and I give a brief defence of the relevant moral epistemology.
Do Normative Judgements Aim to Represent the World?
Authors: Streumer Bart
Published: October 2013

Many philosophers think that normative judgements do not aim to represent the world. In this paper, I argue that this view is incompatible with the thought that when two people make conflicting normative judgements, at most one of these judgements is correct. I argue that this shows that normative judgements do aim to represent the world.
What Incompleteness Arguments are and What They are Not
Authors: Vignolo Massimiliano
Published: October 2013

Cappelen and Lepore (2005) maintain that Incompleteness Arguments for context sensitivity are fallacious. In their view, Incompleteness Arguments are non sequitur fallacies whose conclusions are not logically related to premises. They affirm that the conclusions of Incompleteness Arguments are metaphysical claims about the existence of entities that might be constituents of propositions, while their premises concern psychological data about speakers' dispositions to truth evaluate sentences in contexts of utterance. Cappelen and Lepore reject Incompleteness Arguments because psychological data have no bearing on metaphysical issues. I do not dispute Cappelen and Lepore's claim that psychological data have no relevance to metaphysics. Nonetheless, I argue that Cappelen and Lepore's criticism is vitiated by a misunderstanding of the nature of Incompleteness Arguments that makes them overlook the link between semantics and linguistic competence. I try to shed light on the real nature of Incompleteness Arguments by pointing at the failure of Cappelen and Lepore's criticism. My aim is not to defend Semantic Contextualism, but to bring to attention the link between semantics and linguistic competence that should never be overlooked in debates in the field of semantics.
Oxidative Stress in Neonatology. A Review
Authors: Mutinati M , Pantaleo M , Roncetti M , Piccinno M , Rizzo A , Sciorsci RL
Published: October 2013

Contents

Free radicals are highly reactive oxidizing agents containing one or more unpaired electrons. Both in human and veterinary neonathology, it is generally accepted that oxidative stress functions as an important catalysator of neonatal disease. Soon after birth, many sudden physiological and environmental conditions make the newborn vulnerable for the negative effects of oxidative stress, which potentially can impair neonatal vitality. As a clinician, it is important to have in depth knowledge about factors affecting maternal/neonatal oxidative status and the cascades of events that enrol when the neonate is subjected to oxidative stress. This report aims at providing clinicians with an up‐to‐date review about oxidative stress in neonates across animal species. It will be emphasized which handlings and treatments that are applied during neonatal care or resuscitation can actually impose oxidative stress upon the neonate. Views and opinions about maternal and/or neonatal antioxydative therapy will be shared.
Effectiveness of Ditch Blockage for Restoring Hydrologic and Soil Processes in Mountain Peatlands
Authors: Schimelpfenig David W. , Cooper David J. , Chimner Rodney A.
Published: October 2013

Drained peatlands are a global concern due to alterations of the water and carbon cycle, loss of habitat, and increased fire frequency. However, methods for restoring drained sloping peatlands are limited and poorly tested. Therefore, we measured water table dynamics, CO2 fluxes, and soil properties at four sloping fens that were restored (1–20 years post‐restoration) with the installation of small check dams in ditches that had drained the sites for a century. Restoration had a positive effect on water tables, increasing from approximately 45 cm below the surface to approximately 15 cm below the surface during the summers. Restoration also benefited CO2 fluxes, as the mean net ecosystem exchange was greatest in the restored areas (−2.19 g CO2 m−2 hour‐1) compared to the unrestored drained areas (−1.28 g CO2 m−2 hour−1), while in reference areas it was −1.74 g CO2 m−2 hour−1. Drainage also caused significant changes to the peat soil including: 25% reduction in soil organic matter (lost between 1.4 to 3.6 kg/m2), increased bulk density, decreased porosity, and reduced saturated hydraulic conductivity. Restoration did not affect these parameters, even 20 years after restoration. This study suggests that although natural water table levels have been reestablished and the process of carbon sequestration improved, the physical properties of the most disturbed, near surface peat soils do not mimic reference conditions 20 years post‐restoration.
Opinions Toward Using Volunteers in Ecological Restoration: A Survey of Federal Land Managers
Authors: Bruce Matt C. , Newingham Beth A. , Harris Charles C. , Krumpe Edwin E.
Published: October 2013

Land managers use a variety of labor sources to implement ecological restoration projects. Reasons why these land managers decide to use or not use volunteer labor are not well known; yet, this decision can significantly shape ensuing social, psychological, and ecological benefits. To better understand how land managers' opinions influence their intentions toward using volunteers, we surveyed ecological restoration project decision makers (n = 176) from three U.S. land management agencies (the Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, and U.S. Forest Service) in Colorado, Idaho, Utah, and Wyoming using stratified random cluster sampling. Employing the Theory of Planned Behavior, we measured factors that likely influence intention to use volunteers, including land managers' attitudes, norms, and perceived behavioral control (PBC). We used multiple regression analysis to understand the relationships among constructs, which indicated PBC was the strongest predictor of intention. Based upon intention to use volunteers, an analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed differences among land managers in terms of (1) their opinions about building community support and accomplishing more work, (2) the influence of supervisors, coworkers, and environmental groups, and (3) their perceived barriers due to a lack of trained volunteers and a lack of tasks safe for volunteers. Our results suggest environmental stewardship organizations and others that want to increase the use of ecological restoration volunteers should find ways to alleviate employees' perceived barriers, encourage supervisors to advocate for using volunteers, and when possible provide tangible information demonstrating how using volunteers can generate community support for a restoration project.