bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A dual system formed by the ARC and NR molybdoenzymes mediates nitrite‐dependent NO production in Chlamydomonas
Authors: Chamizo‐Ampudia Alejandro , Sanz‐Luque Emanuel , Llamas Ángel , Ocaña‐Calahorro Francisco , Mariscal Vicente , Carreras Alfonso , Barroso Juan B. , Galván Aurora , Fernández Emilio 
Published: March 2016

AbstractNitric oxide (NO) is a relevant signal molecule involved in many plant processes. However, the mechanisms and proteins responsible for its synthesis are scarcely known. In most photosynthetic organisms NO synthases have not been identified, and Nitrate Reductase (NR) has been proposed as the main enzymatic NO source, a process that in vitro is also catalysed by other molybdoenzymes. By studying transcriptional regulation, enzyme approaches, activity assays with in vitro purified proteins and in vivo and in vitro NO determinations, we have addressed the role of NR and Amidoxime Reducing Component (ARC) in the NO synthesis process. N\R and ARC were intimately related both at transcriptional and activity level. Thus, arc mutants showed high NIA1 (NR gene) expression and NR activity. Conversely, mutants without active NR displayed an increased ARC expression in nitrite medium. Our results with nia1 and arc mutants and with purified enzymes support that ARC catalyses the NO production from nitrite taking electrons from NR and not from Cytb5‐1/Cytb5‐Reductase, the component partners previously described for ARC (proposed as NOFNiR, Nitric Oxide‐Forming Nitrite Reductase). This NR‐ARC dual system would be able to produce NO in the presence of nitrate, condition under which NR is unable to do it.
Intact neural activity during a Go/No‐go task is associated with high global functioning in schizophrenia
Authors: Araki Tsuyoshi , Kirihara Kenji , Koshiyama Daisuke , Nagai Tatsuya , Tada Mariko , Fukuda Masato , Kasai Kiyoto 
Published: March 2016

AimGo/No‐go derived event‐related potential (ERP) signals have been widely used in schizophrenia research to monitor self‐control deficits in this disorder. However, no study to date has associated Go/No‐go‐related ERP with global functioning.MethodsParticipants consisted of 21 patients with schizophrenia and 22 healthy controls. We used a visual Go/No‐go paradigm to measure Go/No‐go‐related N2/P3 ERP components by means of a 64‐electrode cap for electroencephalogram recording. We used the Global Assessment of Functioning to evaluate global functioning and analyzed the correlation between ERP indices and global functioning scores.ResultsN2 amplitudes were reduced in patients with schizophrenia, but not influenced by either of the Go/No‐go conditions. P3 amplitudes were influenced by the Go/No‐go conditions, but not reduced in patients with schizophrenia. Global functioning was correlated with the No‐go P3 amplitudes, but not N2 amplitudes, in patients with schizophrenia.ConclusionThese results indicate that global functioning is associated with intact neural activity rather than impaired neural activity during Go/No‐go response inhibition tasks in patients with schizophrenia.
Propranolol for infantile hemangioma: Effect on plasma vascular endothelial growth factor
Authors: Ozeki Michio , Nozawa Akifumi , Hori Tomohiro , Kanda Kaori , Kimura Takeshi , Kawamoto Norio , Fukao Toshiyuki 
Published: March 2016

AbstractBackgroundPropranolol has recently been shown to be highly effective for infantile hemangioma (IH), but the mechanism of action of propranolol and the usefulness of measurement of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) remain poorly understood. The aim of this study was therefore to determine the efficacy of propranolol treatment and to evaluate changes in plasma VEGF in IH patients who underwent propranolol treatment.MethodsThe study group consisted of 35 children with IH. Oral propranolol was give at a dose of 2.0 mg/kg/day and was divided in three doses. Outcome was assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS) of size and color. Plasma VEGF concentration was analyzed on enzyme‐linked immunoabsorbent assay, and compared between the groups.ResultsImprovement in VAS in patients who started propranolol before 6 months of age was superior to that in those who started propranolol after 6 months of age. VEGF concentration was significantly correlated with lesion size (P = 0.002), whereas no correlation was observed with age. VEGF concentration 4 weeks after treatment was significantly lower than that before treatment (P < 0.01).ConclusionsMeasurement of VEGF may be a useful tool for predicting the course of IH and monitoring the effectiveness of treatment.
Maternal values and parenting and Estonian, German, and Russian adolescents' friendship satisfaction
Authors: TAMM ANNI , KASEARU KAIRI , TULVISTE TIIA , TROMMSDORFF GISELA 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThe study examined the extent to which the sociocultural context shapes mothers' values and parenting patterns and moderates associations between adolescents' perceptions of mothers' acceptance and control and adolescents' friendship satisfaction. Questionnaire data were collected from a total of 834 Estonian, German, and Russian middle adolescents and their mothers. The findings indicated culture‐specific patterns and meanings of parenting. In all cultures, mothers who valued interdependence more highly considered children's social‐oriented characteristics more important. German and Russian maternal behavior was linked to their parenting goals. For instance, German mothers who considered adolescents' obedience more important were more controlling. Although boys and girls perceived mothers' behavior somewhat differently, maternal acceptance (but not control) predicted both boys' and girls' friendship satisfaction in all cultures.
Substantial heritable variation for susceptibility to Dothistroma septosporum within populations of native British Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris)
Authors: Perry A. , Wachowiak W. , Brown A. V. , Ennos R. A. , Cottrell J. E. , Cavers S. 
Published: March 2016

The threat from pests and pathogens to native and commercially planted forest trees is unprecedented and expected to increase under climate change. The degree to which forests respond to threats from pathogens depends on their adaptive capacity, which is determined largely by genetically controlled variation in susceptibility of the individual trees within them and the heritability and evolvability of this trait. The most significant current threat to the economically and ecologically important species Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) is dothistroma needle blight (DNB), caused by the foliar pathogen Dothistroma septosporum. A progeny‐population trial of 4‐year‐old Scots pine trees, comprising six populations from native Caledonian pinewoods each with three to five families in seven blocks, was artificially inoculated using a single isolate of D. septosporum. Susceptibility to D. septosporum, assessed as the percentage of non‐green needles, was measured regularly over a period of 61 days following inoculation, during which plants were maintained in conditions ideal for DNB development (warm; high humidity; high leaf wetness). There were significant differences in susceptibility to D. septosporum among families indicating that variation in this trait is heritable, with high estimates of narrow‐sense heritability (0.38–0.75) and evolvability (genetic coefficient of variation, 23.47). It is concluded that native Scots pine populations contain sufficient genetic diversity to evolve lower susceptibility to D. septosporum through natural selection in response to increased prevalence of this pathogen.
Emotional responses to irony and emoticons in written language: Evidence from EDA and facial EMG
Authors: Thompson Dominic , Mackenzie Ian G. , Leuthold Hartmut , Filik Ruth 
Published: March 2016

AbstractWhile the basic nature of irony is saying one thing and communicating the opposite, it may also serve additional social and emotional functions, such as projecting humor or anger. Emoticons often accompany irony in computer‐mediated communication, and have been suggested to increase enjoyment of communication. In the current study, we aimed to examine online emotional responses to ironic versus literal comments, and the influence of emoticons on this process. Participants read stories with a final comment that was either ironic or literal, praising or critical, and with or without an emoticon. We used psychophysiological measures to capture immediate emotional responses: electrodermal activity to directly measure arousal and facial electromyography to detect muscle movements indicative of emotional expressions. Results showed higher arousal, reduced frowning, and enhanced smiling for messages with rather than without an emoticon, suggesting that emoticons increase positive emotions. A tendency toward less negative responses (i.e., reduced frowning and enhanced smiling) for ironic than literal criticism, and less positive responses (i.e., enhanced frowning and reduced smiling) for ironic than literal praise suggests that irony weakens the emotional impact of a message. The present findings indicate the utility of a psychophysiological approach in studying online emotional responses to written language.
Prolonged constant load cycling exercise is associated with reduced gross efficiency and increased muscle oxygen uptake
Authors: Hopker J. G. , O'Grady C. , Pageaux B. 
Published: March 2016

This study investigated the effects of prolonged constant load cycling exercise on cycling efficiency and local muscle oxygen uptake responses. Fourteen well‐trained cyclists each completed a 2‐h steady‐state cycling bout at 60% of their maximal minute power output to assess changes in gross cycling efficiency (GE) and muscle oxygen uptake (mVO2) at time points 5, 30, 60, 90, and 120 min. Near‐infrared spatially resolved spectroscopy (NIRS) was used to continually monitor tissue oxygenation of the Vastus Lateralis muscle, with arterial occlusions (OCC) applied to assess mVO2. The half‐recovery time of oxygenated hemoglobin (HbO2) was also assessed pre and post the 2‐h cycling exercise by measuring the hyperemic response following a 5‐min OCC. GE significantly declined during the 2‐h cycling bout (18.4 ± 1.6 to 17.4 ± 1.4%; P < 0.01). Conversely, mVO2 increased, being significantly higher after 90 and 120 min than at min 5 (+0.04 mlO2/min/100 g; P = 0.03). The half‐recovery time for HbO2 was increased comparing pre and post the 2‐h cycling exercise (+7.1 ± 19s), albeit not significantly (d: 0.48; P = 0.27). This study demonstrates that GE decreases during prolonged constant load cycling exercise and provides evidence of an increased mVO2, suggestive of progressive mitochondrial or contractile inefficiency.
The Determinants of International Football Success: A Panel Data Analysis of the Elo Rating*
Authors: Gásquez Roberto , Royuela Vicente 
Published: March 2016

ObjectivesThis article investigates the determinants of football1 success at the international level. We introduce three innovations as (a) we apply the model developed by Bernard and Busse (2004) to football, (b) we consider a wide panel of countries over a 33‐year period, and (c) we supplement FIFA's classification with the Elo rating system.MethodsWe estimate a dynamic panel model using Blundell and Bond's (1998) system‐generalized method of moments (GMM) estimator.ResultsThe results are robust to several sensitivity analyses, showing that economics, demographics, weather, geography, and football institutions are good indicators of football success at the international level. Besides, the Elo rating is a better alternative indicator than the FIFA ranking.ConclusionsThe Elo rating may be used in the academic works that wish to analyze football success over a long period of time.
Language at Three Timescales: The Role of Real‐Time Processes in Language Development and Evolution
Authors: McMurray Bob 
Published: March 2016

AbstractEvolutionary developmental systems (evo‐devo) theory stresses that selection pressures operate on entire developmental systems rather than just genes. This study extends this approach to language evolution, arguing that selection pressure may operate on two quasi‐independent timescales. First, children clearly must acquire language successfully (as acknowledged in traditional evo‐devo accounts) and evolution must equip them with the tools to do so. Second, while this is developing, they must also communicate with others in the moment using partially developed knowledge. These pressures may require different solutions, and their combination may underlie the evolution of complex mechanisms for language development and processing. I present two case studies to illustrate how the demands of both real‐time communication and language acquisition may be subtly different (and interact). The first case study examines infant‐directed speech (IDS). A recent view is that IDS underwent cultural to statistical learning mechanisms that infants use to acquire the speech categories of their language. However, recent data suggest is it may not have evolved to enhance development, but rather to serve a more real‐time communicative function. The second case study examines the argument for seemingly specialized mechanisms for learning word meanings (e.g., fast‐mapping). Both behavioral and computational work suggest that learning may be much slower and served by general‐purpose mechanisms like associative learning. Fast‐mapping, then, may be a real‐time process meant to serve immediate communication, not learning, by augmenting incomplete vocabulary knowledge with constraints from the current context. Together, these studies suggest that evolutionary accounts consider selection pressure arising from both real‐time communicative demands and from the need for accurate language development.
Non‐specific phospholipase C1 affects silicon distribution and mechanical strength in stem nodes of rice
Authors: Cao Huasheng , Zhuo Lin , Su Yuan , Sun Linxiao , Wang Xuemin 
Published: March 2016

SummarySilicon, the second abundant element in the crust, is beneficial for plant growth, mechanical strength, and stress responses. Here we show that manipulation of the non‐specific phospholipase C1, NPC1, alters silicon content in nodes and husks of rice (Oryza sativa). Silicon content in NPC1‐overexpressing (OE) plants was decreased in nodes but increased in husks compared to wild‐type, whereas RNAi suppression of NPC1 resulted in the opposite changes to those of NPC1‐OE plants. NPC1 from rice hydrolyzed phospholipids and galactolipids to generate diacylglycerol that can be phosphorylated to phosphatidic acid. Phosphatidic acid interacts with Lsi6, a silicon transporter that is expressed at the highest level in nodes. In addition, the node cells of NPC1‐OE plants have lower contents of cellulose and hemicellulose, and thinner sclerenchyma and vascular bundle fibre cells than wild‐type plants; whereas NPC1‐RNAi plants displayed the opposite changes. These data indicate that NPC1 modulates silicon distribution and secondary cell wall deposition in nodes and grains, affecting mechanical strength and seed shattering.
Low‐molecular‐weight carbohydrate Pentaisomaltose may replace dimethyl sulfoxide as a safer cryoprotectant for cryopreservation of peripheral blood stem cells
Authors: Svalgaard Jesper Dyrendom , Haastrup Eva Kannik , Reckzeh Kristian , Holst Bjørn , Glovinski Peter Viktor , Gørløv Jette Sønderskov , Hansen Morten Bagge , Moench Kim Theilgaard , Clausen Christian , Fischer‐Nielsen Anne 
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUNDCryopreserved hematopoietic stem cell products are widely used for certain hematologic malignancies. Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is the most widely used cryoprotective agent (CPA) today, but due to indications of cellular toxicity, changes of the cellular epigenetic state, and patient‐related side effects, there is an increasing demand for DMSO‐free alternatives. We therefore investigated whether Pentaisomaltose (PIM), a low‐molecular‐weight carbohydrate (1 kDa), can be used for cryopreservation of peripheral blood stem cells, more specifically hematopoietic progenitor cell apheresis (HPC(A)) product.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSWe cryopreserved patient or donor HPC(A) products using 10% DMSO or 16% PIM and quantified the recovery of CD34+ cells and CD34+ subpopulations by multicolor flow cytometry. In addition, we compared the frequency of HPCs after DMSO and PIM cryopreservation using the colony‐forming cells (CFCs) assay.RESULTSThe mean CD34+ cell recovery was 56.3 ± 23.7% (11.4%‐97.3%) and 58.2 ± 10.0% (45.7%‐76.9%) for 10% DMSO and 16% PIM, respectively. The distribution of CD34+ cell subpopulations was similar when comparing DMSO or PIM as CPA. CFC assay showed mean colony numbers of 70.7 ± 25.4 (range, 37.8‐115.5) and 67.7 ± 15.7 (range, 48‐86) for 10% DMSO and 16% PIM, respectively.CONCLUSIONOur findings demonstrate that PIM cryopreservation of HPC(A) products provides recovery of CD34+ cells, CD34+ subpopulations, and CFCs similar to that of DMSO cryopreservation and therefore may have the potential to be used for cryopreservation of peripheral blood stem cells.
Caribbean Diversification and Development
Authors: Mohan Preeya 
Published: March 2016

AbstractSmall Island Developing States generally adopt diversification as their primary development strategy, often with little success. Nevertheless, there is no empirical study specifically focusing on the pattern of diversification of these countries in relation to their development. The objective of this paper was to study the export diversification pattern by the intensive (a more equally spread export basket) and extensive (an increase in new export lines) product margin of 21 Caribbean countries in relation to their level of development using panel data. The results show that despite their limited ability to diversify, Caribbean countries, as has been found for other parts of the world, first diversify and subsequently respecialise though at a substantially lower level of income than other countries and that the intensive margin plays a greater role in this process.
A three‐dimensional cell culture system as an in vitro canine mammary carcinoma model for the expression of connective tissue modulators
Authors: Cardoso T. C. , Sakamoto S. S. , Stockmann D. , Souza T. F. B. , Ferreira H. L. , Gameiro R. , Vieira F. V. , Louzada M. J. Q. , Andrade A. L. , Flores E. F. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractIn this study, derived complex carcinoma (CC) and simple carcinoma (SC) cell lines were established and cultured under two‐dimensional (2D) and three‐dimensional (3D) conditions. The 3D was performed in six‐well AlgiMatrix™ (LifeTechnologies®, Carlsbad, CA, USA) scaffolds, resulting in spheroids sized 50–125 µm for CC and 175–200 µm for SC. Cell viability was demonstrated up to 14 days for both models. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) was expressed in CC and SC in both systems. However, higher mRNA and protein levels were observed in SC 2D and 3D systems when compared with CC (P < 0.005). The connective tissue modulators, metalloproteinases‐1, ‐2, ‐9 and ‐13 (MMPs), relaxin receptors 1 and 2 (RXR1 and RXR2) and E‐cadherin (CDH1) were quantitated. All were upregulated similarly when canine mammary tumour (CMT)‐derived cell lines were cultured under 3D AlgiMatrix, except CDH1 that was downregulated (P < 0.005). These results are promising towards the used of 3D system to increase a high throughput in vitro canine tumour model.
Erythrocyte osmotic fragility and select hematologic variables in postparturient mares and their foals
Authors: Arfuso Francesca , Quartuccio Marco , Bazzano Marilena , Fazio Francesco , Piccione Giuseppe 
Published: March 2016

BackgroundKnowledge of hematologic function in postparturient mares and foals is crucial for the monitoring of their health status and for the prompt diagnosis of pathologic conditions.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to evaluate erythrocyte osmotic fragility (EOF) and select hematologic variables in mares and their foals during the first month after foaling.MethodsBlood samples were collected from each animal every 3 days from day 1 until day 30 after foaling, and tested for RBC count, HGB, HCT, MCV, and EOF. Two‐way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Bonferroni post hoc comparison test were applied to determine the effects of time and age (mares vs foals). Pearson correlation coefficients were computed for EOF and time or MCV values.ResultsThere was a significant effect of time in RBC, HGB, HCT, and EOF (P < .001). Statistically significant differences were observed between mares and foals for RBC, MCV, and EOF (P < .05) throughout the experimental period. Significant correlations between EOF and both time and MCV (P < .05) were found in mares as well as in foals.ConclusionThese results contribute to the understanding of perinatal changes in hematologic variables in mares and foals. In addition, the data support the relevance of specific reference intervals for postparturient mares and foals. The findings also provide useful information that could help clinicians to better interpret clinical data and diagnose equine disease.
Assessing the influence of component processing and donor characteristics on quality of red cell concentrates using quality control data
Authors: Jordan A. , Chen D. , Yi Q. ‐L. , Kanias T. , Gladwin M. T. , Acker J. P. 
Published: March 2016

Background and ObjectivesQuality control (QC) data collected by blood services are used to monitor production and to ensure compliance with regulatory standards. We demonstrate how analysis of quality control data can be used to highlight the sources of variability within red cell concentrates (RCCs).Materials and MethodsWe merged Canadian Blood Services QC data with manufacturing and donor records for 28 227 RCC between June 2011 and October 2014. Units were categorized based on processing method, bag manufacturer, donor age and donor sex, then assessed based on product characteristics: haemolysis and haemoglobin levels, unit volume, leucocyte count and haematocrit.ResultsBuffy‐coat method (top/bottom)‐processed units exhibited lower haemolysis than units processed using the whole‐blood filtration method (top/top). Units from female donors exhibited lower haemolysis than male donations. Processing method influenced unit volume and the ratio of additive solution to residual plasma.ConclusionsStored red blood cell characteristics are influenced by prestorage processing and donor factors. Understanding the relationship between processing, donors and RCC quality will help blood services to ensure the safety of transfused products.