bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reproductive biology of threeZiziphusspecies (Rhamnaceae)
Authors: Kulkarni M. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractThe reproductive biology of threeZiziphusspecies:Z. jujube,Z. mauritianaandZ. spina-christi, with respect to seasonal growth stages, floral biology, pollen performance, fruit set and seed viability were compared. To elucidate the reasons for variations in reproductive success we also estimated the ploidy levels among the genotypes of these tree species. Four genotypes ofZ. mauritianaandZ. jujubeeach, and two natural selections ofZ. spina-christiwere grown in the Negev highlands at the Sde Boqer experimental plot. Field observations were conducted to determine seasonal growth stages and floral biology; laboratory studies included florescent microscopy, differential interference contrast microscopy,in vitropollen germination and histological techniques. Seasonal growth stages were similar inZ. spina-christiandZ. mauritianabut distinct inZ. jujube, which was the earliest species. Flower opening stages were similar in all species and genotypes. Anthesis timing was genotype specific and did not depend on species. Anthesis types were subdivided into early and late morning as well as afternoon. We found a wide range of values for the number of flowers per inflorescence between species and genotypes, but all genotypes set one fruit per inflorescence with the exception ofZ. jujubegenotype Tamar, which set two fruit per inflorescence. Significant variation in fruit weight was observed between species as well as genotypes. Fruit ofZ. mauritianaandZ jujubeweighed between 9 to 37 g while fruit weight ofZ. spina-christiwas between 0.5 to 0.7 g. Flowers of all species and genotypes had two ovules but viable seed set per fruit differed dramatically between species under open pollination. Viable seed set was about 18% forZ. mauritianaandZ jujube, whileZ. spina-christi, had the highest viable seed set at about 84%. Histological analysis revealed post fertilization embryo abortion which may be responsible for the relatively low reproductive success inZ. mauritianaandZ. jujube. The results obtained in this study provide an important basis for selecting elite complementary genotypes toward the optimization ofZiziphusfruit production in semi-arid regions.
Stomatal and physiological response of contrastingZ. mauritiana(Lamk.) clones to water stress
Authors: Kulkarni M. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractWater stress is one of the major limitations to fruit production worldwide. Identifying suitable indicators, screening techniques and quantifiable traits would facilitate the genetic improvement process for water stress tolerance. In the present study, we evaluated the ability of physiological parameters (Transpiration, E;Fv/Fm; leaf water potential, ψleaf; leaf temperature, LT; and, leaf relative water content, RWC) to distinguish between contrastingZ. mauritianaclones subjected to a 30-d drought cycle. Four field-grown clones Seb and Gola (tetraploid) and Q 29 and B 5/4 (diploid) were studied. By 30 d after the onset of water stress treatment, the E,Fv/Fm, ψleafand RWC of drought-stressed plants had declined significantly in all genotypes compared to values of well-watered treatments. However, the reductions were more severe in leaves of diploid clones. Under drought stress, the Seb and Gola, maintained higher E (31.5%),Fv/Fm (6.28%), ψleaf; (11.2%), and RWC (9.3 %) than Q 29 and B 5/4 clones. In general, LT of drought-stressed plants was higher (~4°C) than that of well-watered plants but the relative increase was greater among later than former ones. Under maximum drought stress, LT of Seb and Gola clones was on average 3.0°C lower than that of Q 29 and B 5/4. Former clones yielded 20% more than later ones, mainly reason being (14.8%) less fruit drop as an effect of water stress. The results indicate that presented parameters can be reliable in screening for water stress tolerance ability, withFv/Fm, ψleaf, RWC and LT having the added advantage of being easily and quickly assessed.
Phylogeography and pigment type diversity of Synechococcus cyanobacteria in surface waters of the northwestern pacific ocean
Authors: Xia Xiaomin , Partensky Frédéric , Garczarek Laurence , Suzuki Koji , Guo Cui , Yan Cheung Shun , Liu Hongbin 
Published: September 2016

SummaryThe widespread unicellular cyanobacteria Synechococcus are major contributors to global marine primary production. Here, we report their abundance, phylogenetic diversity (as assessed using the RNA polymerase gamma subunit gene rpoC1) and pigment diversity (as indirectly assessed using the laterally transferred cpeBA genes, encoding phycoerythrin‐I) in surface waters of the northwestern Pacific Ocean, sampled over nine distinct cruises (2008–2015). Abundance of Synechococcus was low in the subarctic ocean and South China Sea, intermediate in the western subtropical Pacific Ocean, and the highest in the Japan and East China seas. Clades I and II were by far the most abundant Synechococcus lineages, the former dominating in temperate cold waters and the latter in (sub)tropical waters. Clades III and VI were also fairly abundant in warm waters, but with a narrower distribution than clade II. One type of chromatic acclimater (3dA) largely dominated the Synechococcus communities in the subarctic ocean, while another (3dB) and/or cells with a fixed high phycourobilin to phycoerythrobilin ratio (pigment type 3c) predominated at mid and low latitudes. Altogether, our results suggest that the variety of pigment content found in most Synechococcus clades considerably extends the niches that they can colonize and therefore the whole genus habitat.
CAZyme content of Pochonia chlamydosporia reflects that chitin and chitosan modification are involved in nematode parasitism
Authors: Aranda‐Martinez Almudena , Lenfant Nicolas , Escudero Nuria , Zavala‐Gonzalez Ernesto A. , Henrissat Bernard , Lopez‐Llorca Luis V. 
Published: September 2016

SummaryPochonia chlamydosporia is a soil fungus with a multitrophic lifestyle combining endophytic and saprophytic behaviors, in addition to a nematophagous activity directed against eggs of root‐knot and other plant parasitic nematodes. The carbohydrate‐active enzymes encoded by the genome of P. chlamydosporia suggest that the endophytic and saprophytic lifestyles make use of a plant cell wall polysaccharide degradation machinery that can target cellulose, xylan and, to a lesser extent, pectin. This enzymatic machinery is completed by a chitin breakdown system that involves not only chitinases, but also chitin deacetylases and a large number of chitosanases. P. chlamydosporia can degrade and grow on chitin and is particularly efficient on chitosan. The relevance of chitosan breakdown during nematode egg infection is supported by the immunolocalization of chitosan in Meloidogyne javanica eggs infected by P. chlamydosporia and by the fact that the fungus expresses chitosanase and chitin deacetylase genes during egg infection. This suggests that these enzymes are important for the nematophagous activity of the fungus and they are targets for improving the capabilities of P. chlamydosporia as a biocontrol agent in agriculture.
Asymmetric Dominance and Its Impact on Mortgage Default Deficiency Collection Efforts
Authors: Seiler Michael J. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractThe surge in mortgage default rates during the financial crisis has led to a corresponding dramatic increase in the type and number of firms who are entering the deficiency collection space. As such, we study the methods by which hedge funds and private equity collection firms can more profitably unwind this toxic debt. Specifically, we employ the theory of Asymmetric Dominance and find support that introducing a similar payment amount (i.e., a “decoy”) significantly induces borrowers to change their preference from one that is optimal for them to one that is suboptimal. We then employ the Left‐Most Digit effect in a new manner and demonstrate a statistically significant ability to mitigate the Asymmetric Dominance effect. Finally, we empirically find that Caucasians, males, and those of a greater net worth are more adept at avoiding violating the Independence of Irrelevant Alternatives axiom.
The Evolution and Versatility of Microalgal Biotechnology: A Review
Authors: Hamed Imen 
Published: September 2016

AbstractMicroalgal biotechnology has emerged due to the health‐promoting properties of microalgae related to their bioactive compounds and the great diversity of products that can be developed from algal biomass. Microalgal biomasses have been produced industrially for applications in different fields such as food, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, cosmetic, and animal feed industries. They can be cultivated either in open systems or in closed systems (photobioreactors). Another important area is the use of microalgal biomass for energy production. It has become obvious that petroleum‐derived fuels are unsustainable, due to depleting world reserves and greenhouse gas emissions. Microalgae can provide several different types of renewable biofuels. These include methane produced by anaerobic digestion of the algal biomass, biodiesel derived from trans‐esterification of microalgal lipids, bioethanol produced from carbohydrate fermentations, and photobiologically produced biohydrogen. The idea of using microalgae as a source of fuel is not new. However, it is now being taken seriously because of increases in petroleum prices and, more significantly, the increasing concern about global warming as associated with burning fossil fuels. This review offers an update on information about microalgae, specifically emphasizing their biotechnological importance.
Pairing Modern and Paleolimnological Approaches to Evaluate the Nutrient Status of Lakes in Upper Midwest National Parks
Authors: VanderMeulen David D. , Moraska Lafrancois Brenda , Edlund Mark B. , Ramstack Hobbs Joy M. , Damstra Richard 
Published: September 2016

AbstractUnderstanding what constitutes a reference (background) nutrient condition for lakes is important for National Park Service managers responsible for preserving and protecting aquatic resources. For this study we characterize water quality conditions in 29 lakes across four national parks, and compare their nutrient status to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) nutrient reference criteria and alternative criteria recently proposed by others. Where appropriate we also compare the nutrient status of these 29 lakes to state or tribal nutrient reference criteria or standards. For lakes that exceed reference criteria we investigate physical and chemical patterns, and for a subset of lakes compare modern nutrient conditions to paleolimnological (i.e., diatom‐inferred [DI]) nutrient reconstructions. Many lakes exceeded USEPA nutrient reference criteria, but met alternative less restrictive criteria. Modern nutrient conditions were also largely consistent with DI historic (pre‐1900) nutrient conditions. Lakes exceeding alternative nutrient criteria and with elevated nutrient levels relative to DI historic conditions were mostly small, shallow, and dystrophic; continued attention to their nutrient dynamics and biological response is warranted. Coupling modern and paleolimnological data offer an innovative and scientifically defensible approach to understand long‐term nutrient trends and provide greater context for comparison with reference conditions.
DNA barcodes of the native ray‐finned fishes in Taiwan
Authors: Chang Chia‐Hao , Shao Kwang‐Tsao , Lin Han‐Yang , Chiu Yung‐Chieh , Lee Mao‐Ying , Liu Shih‐Hui , Lin Pai‐Lei 
Published: September 2016

AbstractSpecies identification based on the DNA sequence of a fragment of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene in the mitochondrial genome, DNA barcoding, is widely applied to assist in sustainable exploitation of fish resources and the protection of fish biodiversity. The aim of this study was to establish a reliable barcoding reference database of the native ray‐finned fishes in Taiwan. A total of 2993 individuals, belonging to 1245 species within 637 genera, 184 families and 29 orders of ray‐finned fishes and representing approximately 40% of the recorded ray‐finned fishes in Taiwan, were PCR amplified at the barcode region and bidirectionally sequenced. The mean length of the 2993 barcodes is 549 bp. Mean congeneric K2P distance (15.24%) is approximately 10‐fold higher than the mean conspecific one (1.51%), but approximately 1.4‐fold less than the mean genetic distance between families (20.80%). The Barcode Index Number (BIN) discordance report shows that 2993 specimens represent 1275 BINs and, among them, 86 BINs are singletons, 570 BINs are taxonomically concordant, and the other 619 BINs are taxonomically discordant. Barcode gap analysis also revealed that more than 90% of the collected fishes in this study can be discriminated by DNA barcoding. Overall, the barcoding reference database established by this study reveals the need for taxonomic revisions and voucher specimen rechecks, in addition to assisting in the management of Taiwan's fish resources and diversity.
Genomic distribution and estimation of nucleotide diversity in natural populations: perspectives from the collared flycatcher (Ficedula albicollis) genome
Authors: Dutoit Ludovic , Burri Reto , Nater Alexander , Mugal Carina F. , Ellegren Hans 
Published: September 2016

AbstractProperly estimating genetic diversity in populations of nonmodel species requires a basic understanding of how diversity is distributed across the genome and among individuals. To this end, we analysed whole‐genome resequencing data from 20 collared flycatchers (genome size ≈1.1 Gb; 10.13 million single nucleotide polymorphisms detected). Genomewide nucleotide diversity was almost identical among individuals (mean = 0.00394, range = 0.00384–0.00401), but diversity levels varied extensively across the genome (95% confidence interval for 200‐kb windows = 0.0013–0.0053). Diversity was related to selective constraint such that in comparison with intergenic DNA, diversity at fourfold degenerate sites was reduced to 85%, 3′ UTRs to 82%, 5′ UTRs to 70% and nondegenerate sites to 12%. There was a strong positive correlation between diversity and chromosome size, probably driven by a higher density of targets for selection on smaller chromosomes increasing the diversity‐reducing effect of linked selection. Simulations exploring the ability of sequence data from a small number of genetic markers to capture the observed diversity clearly demonstrated that diversity estimation from finite sampling of such data is bound to be associated with large confidence intervals. Nevertheless, we show that precision in diversity estimation in large outbred population benefits from increasing the number of loci rather than the number of individuals. Simulations mimicking RAD sequencing showed that this approach gives accurate estimates of genomewide diversity. Based on the patterns of observed diversity and the performed simulations, we provide broad recommendations for how genetic diversity should be estimated in natural populations.
FAAH Gene Variation Moderates Stress Response and Symptom Severity in Patients with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Comorbid Alcohol Dependence
Authors: Spagnolo Primavera A. , Ramchandani Vijay A. , Schwandt Melanie L. , Kwako Laura E. , George David T. , Mayo Leah M. , Hillard Cecilia J. , Heilig Markus 
Published: September 2016

BackgroundA common single nucleotide polymorphism (C385A) in the human fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) gene has been associated with decreased distress responses in healthy volunteers, but its role in psychiatric disorders remains unknown. Here, we obtained genotypes and carried out a secondary analysis of subjects from a trial of comorbid posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol dependence (AD). We evaluated the effects of C385A variation on behavioral and biochemical biomarkers of distress responses.MethodsForty‐nine patients with PTSD and AD were admitted for 4 weeks to an experimental medicine unit at the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center. Following detoxification, stress reactivity and peripheral endocannabinoid (eCB) levels were assessed in response to a challenge session using personalized auditory guided imagery. Over the course of the study, subjects were also evaluated for changes in PTSD symptom severity.ResultsFAAH C385A allele carriers showed a marked increase in serum anandamide levels at baseline and throughout the stress challenge procedure compared with C allele homozygotes, while levels of eCBs primarily metabolized through other enzymatic activity, such as 2‐arachidonoylglycerol, did not differ between genotype groups. FAAH C385A carriers also had decreased subjective anxiety responses to the stress challenge. Similar effects of FAAH C385A genotype were found at the level of clinical PTSD symptom severity, in particular in the arousal domain.ConclusionsThis is to our knowledge the first study showing that FAAH C385A variation modulates stress responses in subjects with disorders characterized by increased stress reactivity. These findings point to the eCB pathway as a promising target for future antistress therapeutics.
Exploration of Core Symptoms for the Diagnosis of Alcohol Dependence in the ICD‐10
Authors: Yoshimura Atsushi , Komoto Yasunobu , Higuchi Susumu 
Published: September 2016

BackgroundThe classification of alcohol use disorder has changed over the past century. Now, the conceptualization of alcohol dependence is still controversial. Accumulating evidence has shown the reliability and validity for the diagnosis of alcohol dependence in the ICD‐10 and DSM‐IV. However, the meaning and association of the respective diagnostic items, which are descriptive of representative symptoms, have hardly been examined. The core symptom of substance use disorder has been debated in various situations, but has never been elucidated logically.MethodsWe consecutively registered 192 patients with alcohol‐related problems who visited our hospital for the first time during a certain period. The relations and principal components among the checked items of the ICD‐10 diagnostic criteria were examined statistically.ResultsThree diagnostic items in the ICD‐10 were strongly correlated with each other and were thought to form the core symptoms of alcohol dependence: “strong desire,” “difficulties in controlling,” and “neglect of pleasures.” One major physical phenomenon, “withdrawal,” seemed to complement the core symptoms in the diagnosis of alcohol dependence. Another physical phenomenon, “tolerance,” was demonstrated to be a relatively independent item. The principal component analysis also demonstrated that the diagnostic item “difficulties in controlling” had the maximum component loading value, followed by 2 items, “neglect of pleasures” and “strong desire.”ConclusionsThe core symptomatic elements in the diagnosis of alcohol dependence were statistically suggested in this study. Knowledge of the relations and components among the diagnostic items of alcohol dependence might also be applicable to other forms of substance use dependence and behavioral addiction.
Acetaldehyde Disrupts Interferon Alpha Signaling in Hepatitis C Virus‐Infected Liver Cells by Up‐Regulating USP18
Authors: Ganesan Murali , Poluektova Larisa Y. , Tuma Dean J. , Kharbanda Kusum K. , Osna Natalia A. 
Published: September 2016

BackgroundAlcohol consumption exacerbates the pathogenesis of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and worsens disease outcomes. The exact reasons are not clear yet, but they might be partially attributed to the ability of alcohol to further suppress the innate immunity. Innate immunity is known to be already decreased by HCV in liver cells.MethodsIn this study, we aimed to explore the mechanisms of how alcohol metabolism dysregulates IFNα signaling (STAT1 phosphorylation) in HCV+ hepatoma cells. To this end, CYP2E1+ Huh7.5 cells were infected with HCV and exposed to the acetaldehyde (Ach) generating system (AGS).ResultsContinuously produced Ach suppressed IFNα‐induced STAT1 phosphorylation, but increased the level of a protease, USP18 (both measured by Western blot), which interferes with IFNα signaling. Induction of USP18 by Ach was confirmed in primary human hepatocyte cultures and in livers of ethanol‐fed HCV transgenic mice. Silencing of USP18 by specific siRNA attenuated the pSTAT1 suppression by Ach. The mechanism by which Ach down‐regulates pSTAT1 is related to an enhanced interaction between IFNαR2 and USP18 that finally dysregulates the cross talk between the IFN receptor on the cell surface and STAT1. Furthermore, Ach decreases ISGylation of STAT1 (protein conjugation of a small ubiquitin‐like modifier, ISG15, Western blot), which preserves STAT1 activation. Suppressed ISGylation leads to an increase in STAT1 K48 polyubiquitination which allows pSTAT1 degrading by proteasome.ConclusionsWe conclude that Ach disrupts IFNα‐induced STAT1 phosphorylation by the up‐regulation of USP18 to block the innate immunity protection in HCV‐infected liver cells, thereby contributing to HCV‐alcohol pathogenesis. This, in part, may explain the mechanism of HCV‐infection exacerbation/progression in alcohol‐abusing patients.
Acute effects of resistance exercise on affect, arousal, and urge to drink in temporarily abstinent young adult hazardous drinkers
Authors: Ciccolo Joseph T. , Whitworth James W. , Dunsiger Shira I. , SantaBarbara Nicholas J. , Nosrat Sanaz , LaBrec Jordan E. 
Published: September 2016

Background and ObjectiveYoung adults frequently engage in hazardous alcohol consumption, and many meet the diagnostic criteria for an alcohol use disorder. The urge to drink is a defining symptom of alcohol dependence, and it is closely tied to and exacerbated by negative affect. This study examined the acute effect of resistance exercise on affect, arousal, and drinking urges in young adult (ages 21–40) hazardous drinkers.MethodsOn two separate occasions, 14 participants underwent an 18‐hour alcohol abstinence before completing, in a counter‐balanced manner, a 20‐minute session of resistance exercise and a 20‐minute video control.ResultsSignificant improvements in affect (t = 2.07, p = .04) and arousal (t = 4.09, p < .01), but not urge to drink, were found with exercise.ConclusionSingle sessions of resistance exercise can positively alter affect and arousal during alcohol abstinence.Scientific SignificancePractical exercise interventions designed to alter affect and arousal could potentially alter drinking. (Am J Addict 2016;25:623–627)
Prospects of electrochemical immunosensors for early diagnosis of preeclampsia
Authors: Suman Pankaj , Gandhi Sonu , Kumar Prabhanshu , Garg Kirti 
Published: September 2016

Preeclampsia is a vascular multisystem disorder that accounts for varying degree of morbidity and mortality of mother and the fetus. This can be significantly averted if diagnosed at an early (18‐20 weeks) stage of gestation, as there is no known way to prevent preeclampsia. In spite of extensive work on biomarker discovery, the existing method for its detection is mostly based on colorimetric immunoassays whose sensitivity is ranging in nanomolar range. Further, it has also been observed that change in the expression of a single biomarker is not sufficient to diagnose this condition. So, for early diagnosis (by 18‐20 weeks), an immuno‐diagnostic platform with detection limits in picomolar range and beyond along with the ability to do simultaneous detection of multiple analyte would be of great importance. A nano‐immunosensors with an electrochemical readout system can be a potential alternative that promises for the ultrasensitive detection of analyte with high specificity as well as suitability for on‐site analysis. Coupling the lateral flow technology with immunosensors would make it feasible to detect more than one biomarker simultaneously on a microchip. This review intends to summarize the potential preeclampsia biomarkers, limitations of existing diagnostic methods along with the recent advancements, and prospects to develop electrochemical immunosensors for early clinical diagnosis.