bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cutting reduces variation in biomass production of forage crops and allows low‐performers to catch up: A case study of Trifolium pratense L. (red clover)
Authors: Herbert D. B. , Ekschmitt K. , Wissemann V. , Becker A. 
Published: January 2018

Abstract

Re‐growth of fodder plants after grazing and mowing drives the profitability of their cultivation and is therefore an important target trait for plant breeding and agricultural engineering. However, for some fodder plants little is known about their re‐growth dynamics in response to grazing or mowing.

We analysed the native response of plant architecture, leaf morphology and growth performance to experimental cutting in wild Trifolium pratense L. (red clover) plants. A total of 150 potted clover plants were established under controlled field conditions, and half of the plants were cut to 5 cm 3 months after sowing. Each plant was measured every week for 5 months.

The cut and subsequently re‐grown plants carried fewer main branches (−20%), as well as fewer (−13%) and smaller (−32%) leaves than the control plants. However, the cut plants produced an average of 17% more accumulated leaf area (cut + re‐grown leaf area) than the control plants. This discrepancy was explained by variation in the growth strategy of the plants, where the cut plants invariably expressed a second growth phase, while almost half of the untreated plants did not.

Our results suggest that cutting acted as an artificial trigger initiating a second growth phase in the cut plants and thereby contributed to yield increase. Exploiting this mechanism may set new goals for breeding and optimisation of the mowing regime.
Anatomical and phenological implications of the relationship between Schinus polygama (Cav.) (Cabrera) and the galling insect Calophya rubra (Blanchard)
Authors: Guedes L. M. , Aguilera N. , Ferreira B. G. , Becerra J. , Hernández V. , Isaias R. M. S. 
Published: January 2018

Abstract

The success of galling insects could be determined by synchronisation with host plant phenology and climate conditions, ensuring suitable oviposition sites for gall induction and food resources for their survival. The anatomical, histochemical and phenological synchronisation strategies between Calophya rubra (Blanchard) (Hemiptera: Psylloidea) and its host, the evergreen plant Schinus polygama (Cav.) (Cabrera) (Anacardiaceae), in the Mediterranean climate of southern Chile was evaluated and compared to that of the congeneric C. cf. duvauae (Scott) from Brazil and closely related host plant S. engleri in a subtropical climate.

Anatomical, histometric, histochemical and vegetative phenology studies of the stem and galls were conducted from June 2015 to December 2016.

Based on the anatomical, histometric and histochemical analysis, the conical stem gall traits imply gains over the non‐galled stem toward the galling insect survival, but the maintenance of phellem, secretory ducts and pith indicate conservative developmental traits that cannot be manipulated by C. rubra. Our results indicate that the conditions of the Mediterranean climate zone limit C. rubra immature activity during unfavourable periods, probably determining a diapause period and a univoltine life cycle, which are peculiarities of the S. polygama– C. rubra system.

The synchronisation between development and seasonality confers peculiarities to the S. polygama– C. rubra system in the Mediterranean climate zone.
A novel two‐stage seaweed integrated multi‐trophic aquaculture
Authors: Ashkenazi Doron Yehoshua , Israel Alvaro , Abelson Avigdor 
Published: January 2018

AbstractMarine aquaculture is undeniably a key future direction for the production of food. However, traditional aquaculture involves some significant drawbacks, the major one of which is the surplus discharge of organic matter and dissolved nutrients. To mitigate the environmental impact, integrated multi‐trophic aquaculture (IMTA) systems, which advocate the integration of fed fish with inorganic and organic extractive species, may offer a sustainable solution. This study focuses on an innovative experimental setting, integrating three marine macroalgae species (Ulva rigida, Gracilaria conferta, Hypnea musciformis) serially connected via two‐stage seaweed culture tanks to a finfish culture (the gilthead sea bream; Sparus aurata). The aim was to compare and assess the biofiltration and growth performances of the seaweeds, while altering their order in the two‐stage system. The results indicated U. rigida as the fastest growing species. Ulva rigida also displayed the highest total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) uptake rates and removal efficiency. The design allowed the production of high tissue protein and carbohydrate levels for potential biorefinery uses. Ulva rigida protein content averaged 23%, while that of H. musciformis and G. conferta averaged 25% and 18%, respectively. Hypnea musciformis and G. conferta grown under low nutrient conditions presented a significantly higher total carbohydrate content of nearly 50%, compared to 34% exhibited by U. rigida. In summary, the seaweed pairing in a two‐stage system did not inhibit the performance of each individual species and improved overall production. Consequently, it offers significant advantages for future IMTA systems.
Ross River virus in Australian blood donors: possible implications for blood transfusion safety
Authors: Faddy Helen M. , Tran Thu V. , Hoad Veronica C. , Seed Clive R. , Viennet Elvina , Chan Hiu‐Tat , Harley Robert , Hewlett Elise , Hall Roy A. , Bielefeldt‐Ohmann Helle , Flower Robert L.P. , Prow Natalie A. 
Published: January 2018

BACKGROUNDEmerging transfusion‐transmissible pathogens, including arboviruses such as West Nile, Zika, dengue, and Ross River viruses, are potential threats to transfusion safety. The most prevalent arbovirus in humans in Australia is Ross River virus (RRV); however, prevalence varies substantially around the country. Modeling estimated a yearly risk of 8 to 11 potentially RRV‐viremic fresh blood components nationwide. This study aimed to measure the occurrence of RRV viremia among donors who donated at Australian collection centers located in areas with significant RRV transmission during one peak season.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSPlasma samples were collected from donors (n = 7500) who donated at the selected collection centers during one peak season. Viral RNA was extracted from individual samples, and quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction was performed.RESULTSRegions with the highest rates of RRV transmission were not areas where donor centers were located. We did not detect RRV RNA among 7500 donations collected at the selected centers, resulting in a zero risk estimate with a one‐sided 95% confidence interval of 0 to 1 in 2019 donations.CONCLUSIONOur results suggest that the yearly risk of collecting a RRV‐infected blood donation in Australia is low and is at the lower range of previous risk modeling. The majority of Australian donor centers were not in areas known to be at the highest risk for RRV transmission, which was not taken into account in previous models based on notification data. Therefore, we believe that the risk of RRV transfusion transmission in Australia is acceptably low and appropriately managed through existing risk management, including donation restrictions and recall policies.
Measuring the role of the 1959 revolution on Cuba's economic performance
Authors: Jales Hugo , Kang Thomas H. , Stein Guilherme , Garcia Ribeiro Felipe 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThis paper quantitatively measures the impact of the 1959 Cuban revolution on the country'sGDPper capita and exports. We use various policy evaluation methods to obtain a valid counterfactual of Cuba'sGDPper capita after the revolution using other Latin American countries as control candidates. We find evidence that regarding both outcomes, the overall impact of the revolution was negative. We also document a negative effect of the economic embargo imposed by the United States and a sizable, positive effect of Cuba's trade agreement with the Soviet Union.
Uncertainty
Analysis for Source Term Evaluation of High Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactor Under Accident
Conditions—Identification of Influencing Factors in Loss-of-Forced Circulation
Accidents
Authors: Honda Yuki , Sato Hiroyuki , Nakagawa Shigeaki , Ohashi Hirofumi 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
One of the key elements in probabilistic risk assessment is the identification and characterization of uncertainties. This paper suggests a procedure to identify influencing factors for uncertainty in source term evaluation, which are important to risk of public dose. We propose the following six steps for the identification in a systematic manner in terms of completeness and transparency of the results using both a logic diagram based on basic equations and expert opinions: (1) identification of uncertainty factors based on engineering knowledge of accident scenario analysis; (2) derivation of factors at the level of physical phenomena and variable parameters by expansion of dynamic equation for the system and scenario to be investigated, (3) extraction of uncertainties in variable parameters; (4) selection of important factors based on sensitivity study results and engineering knowledge; (5) identification of important factors for uncertainty analysis using expert opinions; and (6) integration of selected factors in the aforementioned steps. The proposed approach is tested with a case study for a risk-dominant accident scenario in direct cycle high-temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR) plant. We use this approach for evaluating the fuel temperature in terms of reactor dynamics and thermal hydraulic characteristics during a depressurized loss-of-forced circulation (DLOFC) accident with the failure of mitigation systems such as control rod systems (CRS) in a representative HTGR plan. In total, six important factors and 16 influencing factors were successfully identified by the proposed method in the case study. The selected influencing factors can be used as input parameters in uncertainty propagation analysis.
Expression of Genes Involved in Bacteriocin Production and Self-Resistance in Lactobacillus brevis 174A Is Mediated by Two Regulatory Proteins
Authors: Noda Masafumi , Miyauchi Rumi , Danshiitsoodol Narandalai , Matoba Yasuyuki , Kumagai Takanori , Sugiyama Masanori 
Published: January 2018

ABSTRACT

We have previously shown that the lactic acid bacterium
Lactobacillus brevis
174A, isolated from
Citrus iyo
fruit, produces a bacteriocin designated brevicin 174A, which is comprised of two antibacterial polypeptides (designated brevicins 174A-β and 174A-γ). We have also found a gene cluster, composed of eight open reading frames (ORFs), that contains genes for the biosynthesis of brevicin 174A, self-resistance to its own bacteriocin, and two transcriptional regulatory proteins. Some lactic acid bacterial strains have a system to start the production of bacteriocin at an adequate stage of growth. Generally, the system consists of a membrane-bound histidine protein kinase (HPK) that senses a specific environmental stimulus and a corresponding response regulator (RR) that mediates the cellular response. We have previously shown that although the HPK- and RR-encoding genes are not found on the brevicin 174A biosynthetic gene cluster in the 174A strain, two putative regulatory genes, designated
breD
and
breG
, are in the gene cluster. In the present study, we demonstrate that the expression of brevicin 174A production and self-resistance is positively controlled by two transcriptional regulatory proteins, designated BreD and BreG. BreD is expressed together with BreE as the self-resistance determinant of
L. brevis
174A. DNase I footprinting analysis and a promoter assay demonstrated that BreD binds to the
breED
promoter as a positive autoregulator. The present study also demonstrates that BreG, carrying a transmembrane domain, binds to the common promoter of
breB
and
breC
, encoding brevicins 174A-β and 174A-γ, respectively, for positive regulation.

IMPORTANCE
The problem of the appearance of bacteria that are resistant to practical antibiotics and the increasing demand for safe foods have increased interest in replacing conventional antibiotics with bacteriocin produced by the lactic acid bacteria. This antibacterial substance can inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria without side effects on the human body. The bacteriocin that is produced by a
Citrus iyo
-derived
Lactobacillus brevis
strain inhibits the growth of pathogenic bacteria such as
Listeria monocytogenes
,
Staphylococcus aureus
, and
Streptococcus mutans
. In general, lactic acid bacterial strains have a system to start the production of bacteriocin at an adequate stage of growth, which is called a quorum-sensing system. The system consists of a membrane-bound histidine protein kinase that senses a specific environmental stimulus and a corresponding response regulator that mediates the cellular response. The present study demonstrates that the expression of the genes encoding bacteriocin biosynthesis and the self-resistance determinant is positively controlled by two transcriptional regulatory proteins.
Temporal and Spatial Distribution of the Acetic Acid Bacterium Communities throughout the Wooden Casks Used for the Fermentation and Maturation of Lambic Beer Underlines Their Functional Role
Authors: De Roos J. , Verce M. , Aerts M. , Vandamme P. , De Vuyst L. 
Published: January 2018

ABSTRACT

Few data have been published on the occurrence and functional role of acetic acid bacteria (AAB) in lambic beer production processes, mainly due to their difficult recovery and possibly unknown role. Therefore, a novel aseptic sampling method, spanning both the spatial and temporal distributions of the AAB and their substrates and metabolites, was combined with a highly selective medium and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) as a high-throughput dereplication method followed by comparative gene sequencing for their isolation and identification, respectively. The AAB (
Acetobacter
species more than
Gluconobacter
species) proliferated during two phases of the lambic beer production process, represented by
Acetobacter orientalis
during a few days in the beginning of the fermentation and
Acetobacter pasteurianus
from 7 weeks until 24 months of maturation. Competitive exclusion tests combined with comparative genomic analysis of all genomes of strains of both species available disclosed possible reasons for this successive dominance. The spatial analysis revealed that significantly higher concentrations of acetic acid (from ethanol) and acetoin (from lactic acid) were produced at the tops of the casks, due to higher AAB counts and a higher metabolic activity of the AAB species at the air/liquid interface during the first 6 months of lambic beer production. In contrast, no differences in AAB species diversity occurred throughout the casks.

IMPORTANCE
Lambic beer is an acidic beer that is the result of a spontaneous fermentation and maturation process. Acidic beers are currently attracting attention worldwide. Part of the acidity of these beers is caused by acetic acid bacteria (AAB). However, due to their difficult recovery, they were never investigated extensively regarding their occurrence, species diversity, and functional role in lambic beer production. In the present study, a framework was developed for their isolation and identification using a novel aseptic sampling method in combination with matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight mass spectrometry as a high-throughput dereplication technique followed by accurate molecular identification. The sampling method applied enabled us to take spatial differences into account regarding both enumerations and metabolite production. In this way, it was shown that more AAB were present and more acetic acid was produced at the air/liquid interface during a major part of the lambic beer production process. Also, two different AAB species were encountered, namely,
Acetobacter orientalis
at the beginning and
Acetobacter pasteurianus
in a later stage of the production process. This developed framework could also be applied for other fermentation processes.
Immunogenicity in Rabbits of HIV-1 SOSIP Trimers from Clades A, B, and C, Given Individually, Sequentially, or in Combination
Authors: Torrents de la Peña Alba , de Taeye Steven W. , Sliepen Kwinten , LaBranche Celia C. , Burger Judith A. , Schermer Edith E. , Montefiori David C. , Moore John P. , Klasse Per Johan , Sanders Rogier W. 
Published: January 2018

ABSTRACT
Recombinant soluble HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein (Env) SOSIP trimers are a design platform for inducing broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) by vaccination. To date, these and alternative designs of native-like trimers, given singly or in pairs, have not induced bNAbs in test animals such as rabbits or macaques. Here, we have evaluated whether trivalent and tetravalent combinations of SOSIP trimers from clades A, B, and C, delivered simultaneously or sequentially, induce better neutralizing antibody responses in rabbits than when given alone. None of the tested formulations led to the induction of bNAbs. We found that BG505 clade A trimers dominated the autologous NAb responses induced by combinations, which probably relates to the presence of immunodominant glycan holes on the BG505 trimer. Furthermore, autologous NAb responses to all individual trimers were reduced when they were delivered in combinations compared with when delivered alone, suggesting that immunogen interference had occurred. Finally, in a sequential regimen, a heterologous clade C trimer cross-boosted NAb responses that were primed by earlier immunizations with clade A and B trimers. Taken together, these findings should allow us to improve the design of immunization regimens based on native-like HIV-1 Env trimers.

IMPORTANCE
A successful HIV-1 vaccine most probably requires a trimeric envelope glycoprotein (Env) component, as Env is the only viral protein on the surface of the virus and therefore the only target for neutralizing antibodies. Native-like Env trimers can induce strain-specific neutralizing antibodies but not yet broadly neutralizing antibodies. To try to broaden the antibody response, we immunized rabbits with soluble native-like Env trimers from three different clades using monovalent, multivalent, and sequential regimens. We found that the neutralizing antibody response against each immunogen was reduced when the immunogens were delivered in combination or sequentially compared to the monovalent regimen. In contrast, when the Env trimers from different clades were delivered sequentially, the neutralizing antibody response could be cross-boosted. Although the combination of native-like Env trimers from different clades did not induce broadly neutralizing antibodies, the results provide clues on how to use native-like trimers in vaccination experiments.
P07 Development of a decision-making tool to aid implementation of the national guideline on extended-interval gentamicin in neonates
Authors: Ruth Hodgins , Deirdre Gilpin , Deirdre Schoen 
Published: January 2018

AimTo implement the dosing and monitoring recommendations of the national gentamicin guideline for neonates1 and the British National Formulary (BNF) for Children.2 To assist the transition with the development of a decision-making flowchart.MethodA baseline audit (n=30) was conducted in the neonatal unit (NICU) to assess compliance with the national guideline and highlight areas to target for change and improvement. A new local gentamicin guideline and a decision-making flowchart were developed and implemented. Education on the new practices was provided. A post-implementation audit (n=28) was performed to assess compliance and measure changes. The new dosage regimen involved giving a dose of 5 mg/kg every 36 hours to neonates with a postnatal age (PNA) of <7 days, and 5 mg/kg every 24 hours to those with a PNA of ≥7 days. The previous dosing regimen was based on body-weight and postmenstrual age (PMA), and used 24 hourly dosing. Pre-dose (trough) levels were taken before the 2nd dose in both guidelines.ResultsFollowing the development and implementation of the new guideline and flowchart, compliance with the dosing regimen recommended in the national guideline and in the BNF for Children increased by 83% (10% versus 93%, P<0.001). Compliance with local guidance was reduced by 7% (100% versus 93%, p<0.2). Monitoring of renal function (U and Es/creatinine) increased by 35% (46% versus 81%, p<0.01).ConclusionDecision-making tools can improve dosing and monitoring practices and standardise care.3 Introduction of a flowchart led to increased monitoring of renal function in neonates treated with gentamicin. Medication errors post- implementation were due to medical staff following the old dosing regimen, based on PMA, for premature neonates. There were no administration errors resulting from the change from 24 hourly dosing to 36 hourly dosing. Change can be associated with an increased risk of medication errors as staff adjust to new practices. Continued education is required to support staff through the change process.ReferencesGentamicin Improvement Project Group. Gentamicin: Guidelines for once daily usage in adult and paediatric settings2016. [Available: www.rcpi.ie].Paediatric Formulary Committee. BNF for children 2016–20172016. UK: BMJ Group, Pharmaceutical Press and RCPCH Publications Ltd.Fonzo-Christe C, Guignard B, Zaugg C, et al. Impact of clinical decision support guidelines on therapeutic drug monitoring of gentamicin in newborns. Ther Drug Monit2014;36(5):656–62.
P34 Quality improvement project aimed at reducing gentamicin errors in neonates
Authors: Heather Calvert , Aubrey Makhalira 
Published: January 2018

AimA level 3 tertiary neonatal unit with a capacity of 40 cots providing intensive care, high dependency care, special care & transitional care services, had 18 gentamicin errors reported between January and June 2017, with 84% errors occurring at prescribing and 16% errors in administration. The majority of errors (67%) were due to the complexity of calculating a 36-hourly time interval between doses. A quality improvement project was undertaken with the aim of reducing the number of gentamicin errors on the unit over a 3 month period.MethodAn overview of all gentamicin errors were presented to the multidisciplinary team (MDT) with a view of gathering ideas for improvement to ensure a team based approach. An action plan was put in place in line with National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA) recommendations1 and initiated in July 2017 based on a plan-do-study-act (PDSA) model.ResultsThe PDSA cycles included:a simplified and standardised dosing interval for dosing of gentamicin after the first dose.an updated local monograph with dosing intervals and example prescription.posters displayed in prescribing areas to promote safe and focused prescribing.a feedback session to the full MDT team regarding improvements made and further feedback.ensure compliance with policy by promoting updated guideline & on going error monitoring.consideration of alternative lower risk antibiotic in low risk babies.incorporation of gentamicin prescribing exercise as part of the new doctor induction. The following interventions will be evaluated in 3 months using Datix reported errors before and after implementation. Sequential PDSA cycles will then be conducted for learning and improvement.ConclusionA team based approach, using open communication with regular feedback and review is essential in order to improve the quality of prescribing and gain engagement from medical and non-medical prescribing colleagues. Further audit will be undertaken on monthly basis to evaluate the implementation of improvement measures.