bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Occurrence of bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus in natural gas fields of the northwestern Adriatic Sea
Authors: Triossi Francesca , Willis Trevor J. , Pace Daniela S. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractCommon bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus, were surveyed in offshore gas fields off Ravenna, Italy, between Spring and Autumn, 2001–2005. These visual surveys provide the first density estimates of bottlenose dolphins in the Northwestern Adriatic Sea south of the Po River. Since no study has examined the distribution of bottlenose dolphins relative to gas platforms, when dolphins were encountered, their distance from the nearest gas platform was estimated and behaviour was assessed. Dolphins were sighted on ca. 36% of survey trips, which varied in duration from 1 to 6 h. Group size ranged from 1 to ~50 individuals, with no seasonal trend evident in the likelihood of encounter. Dolphin density was estimated to be approximately 80% higher within 750 m of gas platforms, relative to densities >750 m from platforms, although variability around the estimates was high. From a limited number of behavioural observations, slightly higher frequencies of feeding and milling behaviour were observed closer to gas platforms, whereas dolphins observed further away exhibited higher frequencies of socialising and travelling. Gas platforms are known to provide habitat for demersal fishes and act as aggregation points for pelagic fishes, and these data provide some support for the idea that bottlenose dolphins may utilise gas platforms opportunistically as feeding sites.
Harpacticoid copepod response to epiphyte load variations in Posidonia oceanica (L.) Delile meadows
Authors: Arroyo Nina Larissa , Castejón Inés , Dominguez Marta , Terrados Jorge 
Published: April 2013

AbstractWe conducted a field experiment to assess the response of phytal harpacticoids to nutrient‐driven increases of epiphyte load in Posidonia oceanica meadows. First, we evaluated differences in species richness, diversity and assemblage structure of phytal harpacticoids in P. oceanica meadows with differing epiphyte loads. Secondly, we conducted a field experiment where epiphyte load was increased through an in situ addition of nutrients to the water column and evaluated the responses of the harpacticoid assemblages. We predicted that there would be changes in the harpacticoid assemblages as a result of nutrient‐driven increases of epiphyte load, and that these changes would be of a larger magnitude in meadows of low epiphyte load. Our results show that the harpacticoid fauna (>500 μm) present in P. oceanica meadows in the Bay of Palma comprised taxa which are considered phytal and other less abundant ones previously described as sediment dwellers or commensal on other invertebrate species. Nutrient addition had an overall significant effect on epiphyte biomass and on harpacticoid abundance, diversity and assemblage structure, possibly as a response to the increased resources and habitat complexity provided by epiphytes. The abundance of dominant species at each location was favoured by nutrient addition and in some cases correlated with epiphytic biomass, although never strongly. This may indicate that structural complexity or diversity of the epiphytic cover might be more important than the actual epiphytic biomass for the harpacticoid species investigated. More species‐specific studies are necessary to ascertain this and clarify the relationships between harpacticoids and epiphytes in seagrass meadows. To our knowledge, this is the first account of harpacticoid species associated with P. oceanica leaves and the epiphytic community they harbour in the Mediterranean Sea.
Viscous impedance is an important indicator of abnormal esophageal motility
Authors: Clayton S. B. , Rife C. , Kalbfleisch J. H. , Castell D. O. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractBackgroundNon‐obstructive Dysphagia (NOD) is one of the most common symptoms evaluated using esophageal manometry. Although manometry is considered the gold standard, many NOD patients have normal evaluations. Esophageal function testing with combined multichannel intraluminal impedance and esophageal manometry (MII‐EM) is performed using ten 5‐mL swallows of a liquid and a viscous material and provides supplemental information about bolus transit. The aim of this study was to evaluate esophageal function using combined MII‐EM in patients with NOD who had normal evaluations with liquid manometry.MethodsMultichannel intraluminal impedance and esophageal manometry was performed in consecutive patients presenting for evaluation of NOD. Patients were excluded if any abnormality was detected during liquid manometry. Viscous manometry and liquid and viscous impedance data were analyzed to detect manometric or bolus transit abnormalities. Patients referred for GERD evaluation without any swallowing complaints were used as patient controls and were subject to the same exclusion criteria as the NOD group. All swallow evaluations were performed with 10 liquid and 10 viscous swallows.Key ResultsData from 240 patients were evaluated, 129 with NOD and 111 patient controls. In the NOD group, 9% (12/129) had abnormal liquid impedance and 29% (37/129) had abnormal viscous impedance. In the control group, 4% (4/111) had abnormal liquid impedance and 16% (18/111) had abnormal viscous impedance. Chi‐square analysis showed a significant difference between the two study groups for viscous impedance (P = 0.02) but not for liquid impedance (P = 0.12).Conclusions & InferencesOur data support our belief that a normal liquid manometry with an abnormal viscous impedance analysis in a patient with NOD indicates abnormal esophageal motility. Therefore, viscous impedance should be performed on all patients during the evaluation of NOD.
The glutamate carboxypeptidase AMP1 mediates abscisic acid and abiotic stress responses in Arabidopsis
Authors: Shi Yiting , Wang Zheng , Meng Pei , Tian Siqi , Zhang Xiaoyan , Yang Shuhua 
Published: April 2013

Summary

ALTERED MERISTEM PROGRAM1 (AMP1) encodes a glutamate carboxypeptidase that plays an important role in shoot apical meristem development and phytohormone homeostasis.

We isolated a new mutant allele of AMP1, amp1‐20, from a screen for abscisic acid (ABA) hypersensitive mutants and characterized the function of AMP1 in plant stress responses.

amp1 mutants displayed ABA hypersensitivity, while overexpression of AMP1 caused ABA insensitivity. Moreover, endogenous ABA concentration was increased in amp1‐20‐ and decreased in AMP1‐overexpressing plants under stress conditions. Application of ABA reduced the AMP1 protein level in plants. Interestingly, amp1 mutants accumulated excess superoxide and displayed hypersensitivity to oxidative stress. The hypersensitivity of amp1 to ABA and oxidative stress was partially rescued by reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging agent. Furthermore, amp1 was tolerant to freezing and drought stress. The ABA hypersensitivity and freezing tolerance of amp1 was dependent on ABA signaling. Moreover, amp1 had elevated soluble sugar content and showed hypersensitivity to high concentrations of sugar. By contrast, the contents of amino acids were changed in amp1 mutant compared to the wild‐type.

This study suggests that AMP1 modulates ABA, oxidative and abotic stress responses, and is involved in carbon and amino acid metabolism in Arabidopsis.
Arranged marriage in lipid signalling? The limited choices ofPtdIns(4,5)P2in finding the right partner
Authors: Heilmann M. , Heilmann I. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractInositol‐containing phospholipids (phosphoinositides,PIs) control numerous cellular processes in eukaryotic cells. For plants, a key involvement ofPIs has been demonstrated in the regulation of membrane trafficking, cytoskeletal dynamics and in processes mediating the adaptation to changing environmental conditions. Phosphatidylinositol‐4,5‐bisphosphate (PtdIns(4,5)P2) mediates its cellular functionsviabinding to various alternative target proteins. Such downstream targets ofPtdIns(4,5)P2are characterised by the possession of specific lipid‐binding domains, and binding of thePtdIns(4,5)P2ligand exerts effects on their activity or localisation. The large number of potential alternative binding partners – and associated cellular processes – raises the question how alternative or even contrapuntal effects ofPtdIns(4,5)P2are orchestrated to enable cellular function. This article aims to provide an overview of recent insights and new views on how distinct functional pools ofPtdIns(4,5)P2are generated and maintained. The emerging picture suggests thatPtdIns(4,5)P2species containing different fatty acids influence the lateral mobility of the lipids in the membrane, possibly enabling specific interactions ofPtdIns(4,5)P2pools with certain downstream targets.PtdIns(4,5)P2pools with certain functions might also be defined by protein–protein interactions ofPI4P 5‐kinases, which passPtdIns(4,5)P2only to certain downstream partners. Individually or in combination,PtdIns(4,5)P2species and specific protein–protein interactions ofPI4P5‐kinases might contribute to the channelling ofPtdIns(4,5)P2signals towards specific functional effects. The dynamic nature ofPI‐dependent signalling complexes with specific functions is an added challenge for future studies of plantPIsignalling.
A molecular phylogeny of the checkered beetles and a description of Epiclininae a new subfamily (Coleoptera: Cleroidea: Cleridae)
Authors: GUNTER NICOLE L. , LEAVENGOOD JOHN M. , BARTLETT JUSTIN S. , CHAPMAN ERIC G. , CAMERON STEPHEN L. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractWe provide the first molecular phylogeny of the clerid lineage (Coleoptera: Cleridae, Thanerocleridae) within the superfamily Cleroidea to examine the two most recently proposed hypotheses of higher level classification. Phylogenetic relationships of checkered beetles were inferred from approximately ∼5000 nt of both nuclear and mitochondrial rDNA (28S, 16S and 12S) and the mitochondrial protein‐coding gene COI. A worldwide sample of ∼70 genera representing almost a quarter of generic diversity of the clerid lineage was included and phylogenies were reconstructed using Bayesian and Maximum Likelihood approaches. Results support the monophyly of many proposed subfamilies but were not entirely congruent with either current classification system. The subfamilial relationships within the Cleridae are resolved with support for three main lineages. Tillinae are supported as the sister group to all other subfamilies within the Cleridae, whereas Thaneroclerinae, Korynetinae and a new subfamily formally described here, Epiclininae subf.n., form a sister group to Clerinae + Hydnocerinae.
Correlation between Luminex donor‐specific crossmatches and levels of donor‐specific antibodies in pretransplantation screening
Authors: Guillaume N. , Mazouz H. , Piot V. , Presne C. , Westeel P.‐F. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractBefore kidney transplantation, recipients are routinely screened for preformed antibodies and prospective crossmatches. In this study, we compared prospective Luminex donor‐specific crossmatches (LumXm) with the levels of identified, donor‐specific antibodies (DSAs). LumXm was performed for 108 patient sera, 84 of which were positive for preformed antibodies and 24 of which were negative. Although LumXm can detect class I DSAs (anti‐A and anti‐B) with a mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) as low as 2300, the assay has a ‘grey zone’ for MFIs up to 4000 with a sensitivity of 54% and a specificity of 100%. LumXm can detect a class II DSA (anti‐DRB1) with an MFI as low as 1300 and a sensitivity of 93% and a specificity of 99%. However, these correlations were obtained with two precautions: autocrossmatching and single‐antigen bead assay with denaturing buffer were performed in discordant cases. Moreover, LumXm failed to detect anti‐Cw and anti‐DP in the 10 cases studied. LumXm, therefore, displays certain discrepancies with respect to single‐bead assays – especially for antibodies with a low MFI. Unfortunately, LumXm has a low sensitivity for anti‐A and anti‐B class I antibodies.
Phosphorylation of p27KIP1 homologs KRP6 and 7 by SNF1‐related protein kinase–1 links plant energy homeostasis and cell proliferation
Authors: Guérinier Thomas , Millan Laurine , Crozet Pierre , Oury Céline , Rey François , Valot Benoit , Mathieu Chantal , Vidal Jean , Hodges Michael , Thomas Martine , Glab Nathalie 
Published: April 2013

SummarySNF1‐related protein kinase–1 (SnRK1), the plant kinase homolog of mammalian AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK), is a sensor that maintains cellular energy homeostasis via control of anabolism/catabolism balance. AMPK‐dependent phosphorylation of p27KIP1 affects cell‐cycle progression, autophagy and apoptosis. Here, we show that SnRK1 phosphorylates the Arabidopsis thaliana cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor p27KIP1 homologs AtKRP6 and AtKRP7, thus extending the role of this kinase to regulation of cell‐cycle progression. AtKRP6 and 7 were phosphorylated in vitro by a recombinant activated catalytic subunit of SnRK1 (AtSnRK1α1). Tandem mass spectrometry and site‐specific mutagenesis identified Thr152 and Thr151 as the phosphorylated residues on AtKRP6‐ and AtKRP7, respectively. AtSnRK1 physically interacts with AtKRP6 in the nucleus of transformed BY–2 tobacco protoplasts, but, in contrast to mammals, the AtKRP6 Thr152 phosphorylation state alone did not modify its nuclear localization. Using a heterologous yeast system, consisting of a cdc28 yeast mutant complemented by A. thaliana CDKA;1, cell proliferation was shown to be abolished by AtKRP6WT and by the non‐phosphorylatable form AtKRP6T152A, but not by the phosphorylation‐mimetic form AtKRP6T152D. Moreover, A. thaliana SnRK1α1/KRP6 double over‐expressor plants showed an attenuated AtKRP6‐associated phenotype (strongly serrated leaves and inability to undergo callogenesis). Furthermore, this severe phenotype was not observed in AtKRP6T152D over‐expressor plants. Overall, these results establish that the energy sensor AtSnRK1 plays a cardinal role in the control of cell proliferation in A. thaliana plants through inhibition of AtKRP6 biological function by phosphorylation.
A methyltransferase essential for the methoxypyrazine‐derived flavour of wine
Authors: Dunlevy Jake D. , Dennis Eric G. , Soole Kathleen L. , Perkins Michael V. , Davies Christopher , Boss Paul K. 
Published: April 2013

SummaryMethoxypyrazines are a family of potent volatile compounds of diverse biological significance. They are used by insects and plants in chemical defence, are present in many vegetables and fruit and, in particular, impart herbaceous/green/vegetal sensory attributes to wines of certain varieties, including Cabernet Sauvignon. While pathways for methoxypyrazine biosynthesis have been postulated, none of the steps have been confirmed genetically. We have used the F2 progeny of a cross between a rapid flowering grapevine dwarf mutant, which does not produce 3‐isobutyl‐2‐methoxypyrazine (IBMP), and Cabernet Sauvignon to identify the major locus responsible for accumulation of IBMP in unripe grape berries. Two candidate methyltransferase genes within the locus were identified and one was significantly associated with berry IBMP levels using association mapping. The enzyme encoded by this gene (VvOMT3) has high affinity for hydroxypyrazine precursors of methoxypyrazines. The gene is not expressed in the fruit of Pinot varieties, which lack IBMP, but is expressed in Cabernet Sauvignon at the time of accumulation of IBMP in the fruit. The results suggest that VvOMT3 is responsible for the final step in methoxypyrazine synthesis in grape berries and is the major determinant of IBMP production.
Acute graft‐versus‐host disease in a nonhematopoietic stem cell transplantation candidate treated with decitabine followed by granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor–primed peripheral blood stem cells infusion: a special entity of the disease?
Authors: Yuan Lei , Sun Lu , Yang Lin , Jing Yu 
Published: April 2013

BackgroundWith a well‐developed strategy of acute graft‐versus‐host disease (aGVHD) prophylaxis, the prognosis of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo‐HSCT) recipients who develop aGVHD has improved considerably. Meanwhile, transfusion‐associated GVHD (TA‐GVHD) can be fatal. Recent advancements in immune cellular therapy are being adopted in clinical practice, although many concerns including TA‐GVHD remain. This report describes a 64‐year‐old male non‐HSCT candidate diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia who had received decitabine followed by an infusion of granulocyte–colony‐stimulating factor–primed peripheral blood stem cells (G‐PBSCs) from his daughter, who carried haploidentical human leukocyte antigen. The patient developed aGVHD on the 20th day after infusion.Study Design and MethodsThis study is a single case report of a non‐HSCT candidate who developed skin aGVHD with mild clinical course after decitabine and G‐PBSCs combination. The clinical course, chimerism, and aGVHD pathology studies are detailed.ResultsCompared with conventional aGVHD in allo‐HSCT recipients and TA‐aGVHD, the presentation of this case followed a self‐limited clinical course without marrow aplasia or severe progression. However, the patient eventually died of leukemia without a significant graft‐versus‐leukemia effect.ConclusionFirst, the results demonstrate the existence of aGVHD in elderly non‐HSCT candidates receiving adoptive cellular immune therapy. Second, aGVHD occurring under these conditions is probably a unique entity of aGVHD compared to TA‐aGVHD and the conventional pattern in allo‐HSCT recipients with respect to clinical course and prognosis.
Can family or replacement blood donors become regular volunteer donors?
Authors: Asenso‐Mensah Kwame , Achina Gifty , Appiah Rita , Owusu‐Ofori Shirley , Allain Jean‐Pierre 
Published: April 2013

BackgroundIn sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA) confirmed viral marker prevalence between family donors (FDs) and first‐time volunteer nonremunerated donors (VNRDs) is similar. In a blood service collecting 10 units/1000 inhabitants, a questionnaire examined FD donation conditions and willingness of becoming repeat VNRDs.Study Design and MethodsFour areas were explored: circumstances of visit to hospital, external pressure, experience of donating, and potential repeat donation. After donation and consent, research assistants administered 25 questions and, according to literacy, helped with translation and completion.ResultsOf 513 FDs, three‐fourths were males (median age, 27 years). Only 1.3% were unemployed and more than 50% were students or teachers. Ties with hospitalized patient were family (76%), friends (13%), colleagues, or sharing place of worship (10%). Donating blood was the reason for visiting in 16.8% and 20.9% had previously donated blood probably as FDs. In one‐third of FDs, the family asked for donation of which 10% was pressured by the unjustified reason that not donating was endangering the patient's life. For two‐thirds of FDs, donation was given “because individuals were asked.” Donation was a positive experience for 77% of donors, 62% being interested in predonation testing. Repeating donation was acceptable for 99% of 79% FDs answering.DiscussionFDs are active in the population, are willing to donate blood if asked, are submitted to little pressure, do not receive incentives, and accept repeat donation. Except for circumstances of donation, FDs are not different from VNRDs and more directly motivated. They constitute a legitimate and important source to improve the blood supply in SSA.
Transfusion of murine red blood cells expressing the human KEL glycoprotein induces clinically significant alloantibodies
Authors: Stowell Sean R. , Girard‐Pierce Kathryn R. , Smith Nicole H. , Henry Kate L. , Arthur C. Maridith , Zimring James C. , Hendrickson Jeanne E. 
Published: April 2013

BackgroundRed blood cell (RBC) alloantibodies to nonself antigens may develop after transfusion or pregnancy, leading to morbidity and mortality in the form of hemolytic transfusion reactions or hemolytic disease of the newborn. A better understanding of the mechanisms of RBC alloantibody induction, or strategies to mitigate the consequences of such antibodies, may ultimately improve transfusion safety. However, such studies are inherently difficult in humans.Study Design and MethodsWe recently generated transgenic mice with RBC‐specific expression of the human KEL glycoprotein, specifically the KEL2 or KEL1 antigens. Herein, we investigate recipient alloimmune responses to transfused RBCs in this system.ResultsTransfusion of RBCs from KEL2 donors into wild‐type recipients (lacking the human KEL protein but expressing the murine KEL ortholog) resulted in dose‐dependent anti‐KEL glycoprotein immunoglobulin (Ig)M and IgG antibody responses, enhanced by recipient inflammation with poly(I:C). Boostable responses were evident upon repeat transfusion, with morbid‐appearing alloimmunized recipients experiencing rapid clearance of transfused KEL2 but not control RBCs. Although KEL1 RBCs were also immunogenic after transfusion into wild‐type recipients, transfusion of KEL1 RBCs into KEL2 recipients or vice versa failed to lead to detectable anti‐KEL1 or anti‐KEL2 responses.ConclusionsThis murine model, with reproducible and clinically significant KEL glycoprotein alloantibody responses, provides a platform for future mechanistic studies of RBC alloantibody induction and consequences. Long‐term translational goals of these studies include improving transfusion safety for at‐risk patients.
Sensitivity of individual‐donation and minipool nucleic acid amplification test options in detecting window period and occult hepatitis B virus infections
Authors: Vermeulen Marion , Coleman Charl , Mitchel Josephine , Reddy Ravi , van Drimmelen Harry , Ficket Tracy , Lelie Nico 
Published: April 2013

BackgroundSeveral comparison studies showed that the Ultrio assay (Novartis Diagnostics) used in individual‐donation nucleic acid amplification testing (ID‐NAT) format was as sensitive as the TaqScreen assay (Roche) on minipools of six donations (MP6), but the sensitivity of HBV DNA detection has been improved in the new Ultrio Plus version of the assay. A head‐to‐head comparison study was designed to compare the clinical sensitivity of the Ultrio and Ultrio Plus assay in ID, MP4, and MP8 formats using TaqScreen MP6 as a reference assay.Study Design and MethodsPlasma samples of 107 hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)‐negative, HBV ID‐NAT (Ultrio) positive‐yield samples and 29 HBV DNA–negative, HBsAg‐positive samples were used for comparison of NAT options in replicate testing of dilutions. Viral loads and relative sensitivities were determined by probit analysis against the Eurohep standard.ResultsUltrio Plus detected a significantly (p < 0.00001) higher proportion of replicate assays on HBV NAT yields (77%) than Ultrio ID (62%) and TaqScreen MP6 (47%), whereas Ultrio Plus MP4 and MP8 detected 53 and 41%, respectively. On HBsAg‐yield samples missed by Ultrio screening, the reactivity rate increased significantly (p < 0.0001) from 23% in Ultrio to 65% in Ultrio Plus and further to 72% (p = 0.10) in the TaqScreen assay. The overall improvement factor of the analytical sensitivity offered by the target enhancer reagent in the Ultrio Plus assay was 2.5 (2.0‐3.1)‐fold on the Ultrio yield samples, but 43 (11‐350)‐fold on the HBsAg yields. In ID‐NAT format the analytical sensitivity of TaqScreen relative to Ultrio Plus was 2.0 (1.0‐4.2), 0.9 (0.7‐1.3), and 1.6 (0.9‐3.0) on the Eurohep standard, HBV NAT–, and HBsAg‐yield samples respectively.ConclusionThe clinical sensitivity of the currently available commercial NAT methods is mainly driven by the pool size.