bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Possibilities for integrated control of winter oilseed rape diseases in Latvia
Authors: Bankina B. , Gaile Z. , Balodis O. , Paura L. , Kokina I. 
Published: December 2012

The sowing area of winter oilseed rape in Latvia has been rapidly increasing during the last 10 years, therefore oilseed rape diseases have become an important risk factor. The present paper reports 4‐year data (2008–2011) on different fungicide application systems (including forecasting systems) tested in field trials in Central Latvia. The development of stem canker (Leptosphaeria spp.) and white stem rot (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum) was evaluated depending on fungicide application schemes. Stem canker was found to be a widespread disease, and coexistence of both L. maculans and L. biglobosa was established in Latvia. There was no epidemic of white stem rot observed during the investigation period (incidence of disease was only 0.7–4.5%). Application of fungicides significantly (P < 0.05) decreased severity of stem canker. However, substantial differences between different treatments were not detected. Yield of oilseed rape fluctuated at about 4.5 tonnes ha−1, and use of fungicides did not increase the yield. It was found that DaCom Plant Plus program had overestimated the risk of white stem rot in years with low disease pressure, whereas the Swedish model of forecasting, based on the risk‐point system, had produced acceptable forecasts.
Accelerated maturation of Tk‐subtilisin by a Leu→Promutation at the C‐terminus of the propeptide, which reduces the binding of the propeptide to Tk‐subtilisin
Authors: Uehara Ryo , Ueda Yasunori , You Dong‐Ju , Koga Yuichi , Kanaya Shigenori 
Published: December 2012

Tk‐subtilisin, a subtilisin homologue (Gly70‐Gly398) from Thermococcus kodakarensis, is matured from its precursor, Pro‐Tk‐subtilisin [Tk‐subtilisin in a pro form (Gly1‐Gly398)], by autoprocessing and degradation of propeptide [Tk‐propeptide, a propeptide of Tk‐subtilisin (Gly1‐Leu69)]. The scissile peptide bond between Leu69 and Gly70 of Pro‐Tk‐subtilisin is first self‐cleaved to produce an inactive Tk‐propeptide:Tk‐subtilisin complex, in which the C‐terminal region of Tk‐propeptide binds to the active‐site cleft of Tk‐subtilisin. Tk‐propeptide is then dissociated from Tk‐subtilisin and degraded by Tk‐subtilisin to release active Tk‐subtilisin. To examine whether the mutation of Leu69 to Pro, which is the most unfavourable residue in the P1 position for subtilisins, affects the maturation of Pro‐Tk‐subtilisin, the Pro‐Tk‐subtilisin and Tk‐propeptide derivatives with this mutation (Pro‐L69P and L69P‐propeptide) were constructed and characterized. Pro‐L69P was autoprocessed more slowly than Pro‐Tk‐subtilisin. Nevertheless, it matured to Tk‐subtilisin more rapidly than Pro‐Tk‐subtilisin because L69P‐propeptide was degraded by Tk‐subtilisin more rapidly than Tk‐propeptide. The chaperone function and stability of L69P‐propeptide were comparable to those of Tk‐propeptide, whereas the inhibitory potency and binding ability of L69P‐propeptide were considerably reduced compared to those of Tk‐propeptide. The crystal structure of the complex between L69P‐propeptide and S324A‐subtilisin (i.e. a protease activity‐defective mutant) revealed that the C‐terminal region of L69P‐propeptide does not well fit into the substrate binding pockets of Tk‐subtilisin (S1–S4 subsites) as a result of a conformational change caused by the mutation. These results suggest that the Leu→Pro mutation accelerates the maturation of Pro‐Tk‐subtilisin by reducing the binding ability of Tk‐propeptide to Tk‐subtilisin.DatabaseThe coordinates and structure factors have been deposited in the RCSB Protein Data Bank under ID code: 3VV2.Structured digital abstract

Pro-Tk-subtilisin and Pro-Tk-subtilisin cleave by enzymatic study (View interaction)

L69P-propeptide and S324A-subtilisin bind by x-ray crystallography (View interaction)

Tk-propeptide binds to S324A-subtilisin by surface plasmon resonance (View interaction)
Multi‐scaled drivers of rural prairie stream metabolism along human activity gradients
Authors: YATES A. G. , BRUA R. B. , CULP J. M. , CHAMBERS P. A. 
Published: December 2012

Summary1. Stream metabolism is increasingly used for monitoring and assessment of the biological condition of aquatic ecosystems. However, distal environmental drivers, such as land use, are typically not well connected to the proximate controls, such as stream chemistry, that are usually invoked as driving metabolism. This is particularly true for North American prairie streams and for grassland streams worldwide.2. Stream metabolism was measured at the outflow of 19 subcatchments of the Red River in southern Manitoba, Canada. Subcatchments represented gradients of nutrient‐producing human activities present in the region, that is, wastewater treatment (WWT), livestock production and crop cultivation. Stream metabolism was estimated at all sites using diel changes in dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration over 1 week in the middle of summer. Environmental parameters hypothesised to control stream metabolism were sampled across three spatial scales (stream reach, stream segment and catchment). Model selection using Akaike’s information criterion (AIC) was used to determine linkages between environmental parameters and measures of stream metabolism.3. Estimated rates of metabolism were within the range of past studies of metabolism in prairie streams, although most streams had negative values of net ecosystem metabolism. However, production‐to‐respiration ratios were >0.5, at all but three sites suggesting that autochthonous production was an important source of organic matter.4. The a priori model that best predicted gross primary production (GPP) was the intensity of nutrient‐producing human activities (i.e. WWT, livestock and crop cultivation) measured at the catchment scale. Ecosystem respiration (ER) was best predicted by the a priori model comprised of GPP, total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP). However, model averaging revealed that prediction of ER could be improved by including riparian cover and removing TP from the model. The positive association between GPP and ER suggested that heterotrophic compartments of the ecosystem were modest contributors to variation in respiration rates.5. Overall, this study suggests that variation of metabolism in prairie streams of southern Manitoba is controlled by human activities occurring at the catchment scale, a finding consistent with current hierarchically structured riverine paradigms. Moreover, increased understanding of the hierarchical structure of stream metabolism drivers will help to ensure that assessment results can be used more effectively to inform management strategies for prairie ecosystems.
Multi‐scale effects of impoundments on genetic structure of creek chub (Semotilus atromaculatus) in the Kansas River basin
Authors: HUDMAN STEPHEN P. , GIDO KEITH B. 
Published: December 2012

Summary1. Habitat fragmentation has been implicated as a primary cause for the ongoing erosion of global biodiversity, yet our understanding of the consequences in lotic systems is limited for many species and regions. Because of harsh environmental conditions that select for high colonisation rates, prairie stream fishes may be particularly vulnerable to the effects of fragmentation. Hence, there is urgent need for broader understanding of fragmentation in prairie streams such that meaningful conservation strategies can be developed. Further, examination at large spatial scales, including multiple impoundments and un‐impounded catchments, will help identify the spatial extent of species movement through the landscape.2. Our study used data from 10 microsatellite loci to describe the genetic structure of creek chub (Semotilus atromaculatus) populations across four catchments (three impounded and one un‐impounded) in the Kansas River basin. We investigated whether genetic diversity was eroded in response to habitat fragmentation imposed by reservoirs and whether intervening lentic habitat increased resistance to dispersal among sites within a catchment.3. Our analyses revealed that genetic diversity estimates were consistent with large populations regardless of the location of the sampled tributaries, and there was little evidence of recent population reductions. Nevertheless, we found a high degree of spatial genetic structure, suggesting that catchments comprise a set of isolated genetic units and that sample sites within catchments are subdivided into groups largely defined by intervening habitat type. Our data therefore suggest that lentic habitat is a barrier to dispersal among tributaries, thus reducing the opportunity for genetic rescue of populations in tributaries draining into reservoirs. Isolation by a reservoir, however, may not be immediately deleterious if the isolated tributary basin supports a large population.
Regional zooplankton dispersal provides spatial insurance for ecosystem function
Authors: Symons Celia C. , Arnott Shelley E. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractChanging environmental conditions are affecting diversity and ecosystem function globally. Theory suggests that dispersal from a regional species pool may buffer against changes in local community diversity and ecosystem function after a disturbance through the establishment of functionally redundant tolerant species. The spatial insurance provided by dispersal may decrease through time after environmental change as the local community monopolizes resources and reduces community invasibility. To test for evidence of the spatial insurance hypothesis and to determine the role dispersal timing plays in this response we conducted a field experiment using crustacean zooplankton communities in a subarctic region that is expected to be highly impacted by climate change – Churchill, Canada. Three experiments were conducted where nutrients, salt, and dispersal were manipulated. The three experiments differed in time‐since‐disturbance that the dispersers were added. We found that coarse measures of diversity (i.e. species richness, evenness, and Shannon–Weiner diversity) were generally resistant to large magnitude disturbances, and that dispersal had the most impact on diversity when dispersers were added shortly after disturbance. Ecosystem functioning (chl‐a) was degraded in disturbed communities, but dispersal recovered ecosystem function to undisturbed levels. This spatial insurance for ecosystem function was mediated through changes in community composition and the relative abundance of functional groups. Results suggest that regional diversity and habitat connectivity will be important in the future to maintain ecosystem function by introducing functionally redundant species to promote compensatory dynamics.
Animal saliva has stronger effects on plant growth than salivary components
Authors: Li E. Q. , Liu J. S. , Li X. F. , Xiang H. Y. , Yu J. P. , Wang D. L. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractMutualism between plants and animals demonstrates that grazing has positive impacts on plant growth. Animal saliva plays an important role in plant–herbivore interactions, and various salivary components work for the beneficial relationship. This study was performed to compare responses of Leymus chinensis (Trin.) Tzvelev. (Poaceae) to sheep saliva and two salivary components. One randomized block designed experiment was conducted in 2007 with six treatments: control, clipping with water, with saliva, with epidermal growth factor (EGF), with thiamine and with mixture of EGF and thiamine. There were significant differences between treatments on biomass, buds and tillers of L. chinensis. Compared with control plants, there was no compensatory response in clipped plants due to the limited number of available meristems in late‐growing season. Plants in clipping with saliva had more biomass and buds than those in clipping with water or salivary components. Clipping with salivary components had no stimulatory effects on plant growth, relative to clipping with water. The results showed that herbivore saliva had greater impacts than salivary components, and there was no additive effect between salivary components on plant growth. This study demonstrated the complexity in saliva components, which offer saliva with the capacity to play an important role in plant–herbivore interactions.
Effect of square‐stepping exercise and basic exercises on functional fitness of older adults
Authors: Teixeira Camila Vieira Ligo , Gobbi Sebastião , Pereira Jessica Rodrigues , Ueno Deisy Terumi , Shigematsu Ryosuke , Gobbi Lilian Teresa Bucken 
Published: December 2012

AimThe aging process might reduce functional fitness, including balance, which can increase the risk of falls among older adults. Different types of intervention seem to benefit older adults, therefore the purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of a program using square‐stepping exercises (SSE) sequences only on functional fitness in older adults. Furthermore, the possible effects were compared with a basic exercise program.MethodsA total of 86 community‐dwelling older adults (aged >60 years) were divided into four groups: one group practised only SSE sequences (n = 21), the second group practised basic physical exercises (n = 20), the third group practised both SSE sequences and physical exercises (n = 25); and the fourth group was the control group, which was evaluated in their functional fitness before and after the 16‐week research period.ResultsParticipants who practised basic physical exercises improved in agility and aerobic endurance, and SSE improved balance tests.ConclusionsSSE and basic exercise, practised together or alone, seem to have a good influence on the functional fitness of older adults. In addition, SSE training seems to be an effective new kind of activity for balance training. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013; 13: 842–848.
Global transcriptional analysis of nuclear reprogramming in the transition from MEFs to iPSCs
Authors: Dong Fulu , Song Zhenwei , Zhang Jinping , Lu Youde , Song Chunlei , Jiang BaoChun , Zhang Baole , Cong Peiqing , Sun Hongyan , Shi Fangxiong , Liu Honglin 
Published: December 2012

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are flourishing in the investigation of cell reprogramming. However, we still know little about the sequential molecular mechanism during somatic cell reprogramming (SCR). Here, we first observed rapid generation of colonies whereas mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) were induced by OCT4, SOX2, KLF4 (OSK), and vitamin C for 7 days. The colony's global transcriptional profiles were analyzed using Affymetrix microarray. Microarray data confirmed that SCR was a process in which transcriptome got reversed and pluripotent genes expressed de novo. There were many changes, especially substantial growth expression of epigenetic factors, on transcriptome during the transition from Day 7 to iPSCs indicating that this period may provide ‘flexibility’ genome structure, chromatin remodeling, and epigenetic modifications to rebind to the transcriptional factors. Several biological processes such as viral immune response, apoptosis, cell fate specification, and cell communication were mainly involved before Day 7 whereas cell cycle, DNA methylation, and histone modification were mainly involved after Day 7. Furthermore, it was suggested that p53 signaling contributed to the transition ‘hyperdynamic plastic’ cell state and assembled cell niche for SCR, and small molecular compounds useful for chromatin remodeling can enhance iPSCs by exciting epigenetic modification rather than the exogenous expression of more TFs vectors.
Can we prioritise which databases to search? A case study using a systematic review of frozen shoulder management
Authors: Beyer Fiona R. , Wright Kath 
Published: December 2012

AbstractBackgroundSystematic reviews risk producing biased conclusions if a comprehensive search to identify eligible studies is not undertaken, but little evidence exists to guide prioritisation of databases to search when resources are limited.ObjectivesA systematic review examining interventions for managing frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) was used to investigate the performance of bibliographic databases in identifying the included studies, the smallest combination of databases required to retrieve all included studies, and the performance of the searches themselves.MethodsWe calculated the yield of included studies from each of 15 databases, and the recall and precision of each search strategy. We investigated differences between the presence of a record in a database and its retrieval.ResultsThirty of 31 studies were present in at least one database. Yields of individual databases ranged from 0% to 90% (median 23%). Two combinations of databases identified all 30 studies: Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) and Science Citation Index (SCI); or CENTRAL, MEDLINE and PreMEDLINE.ConclusionsIn a systematic review of a range of interventions used to manage frozen shoulder, at least two databases and reference checking were required to retrieve all included studies, but searching for future reviews should not be restricted.
Methodology for assessing the performance of urine absorbing aids in controlling malodour release
Authors: Sironi S. , Capelli L. , Dentoni L. , Del Rosso R. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractThe aim of this study was to investigate the possibility of comparing the performance of different absorbent aids in terms of odour control by discussing a suitable methodology for product evaluation. To overcome the problems of low test reproducibility owing to biological urine variability, the first step of the work consisted of the identification and the production of artificial urine having a constant and stable composition over time, moreover preventing sensorial assessors from any risk of biological contamination. Sensorial measurements were performed to optimize the similarity between artificial and biological urine, especially as far as the composition of the volatile component and therefore of the odour properties are concerned. The assessment of absorbent articles performance to control urine malodour includes both the concentration and the hedonic tone of the odour released by the article itself loaded with synthetic urine. Analyses were run on different products, which can be grouped into two different classes: absorbing aids with or without odour control technology (OCT) respectively. Results show that, despite of the presence or absence of OCT on absorbing products, their odour concentrations are almost identical, being comprised between 10 000 and 12 000 ouE m−3. For this reason, it is evident that odour concentration is not suitable as the sole parameter for comparison of different absorbing products. Instead, the hedonic odour tone (odour pleasantness/unpleasantness) relevant to the different product typologies (that is products with and without OCT) should be used as an additional discriminating factor for this kind of comparative tests.
Use of a specific anti‐stretch mark cream for preventing or reducing the severity of striae gravidarum. Randomized, double‐blind, controlled trial
Authors: García Hernández J. Á. , Madera González D. , Padilla Castillo M. , Figueras Falcón T. 
Published: December 2012

SynopsisFew studies have tested the efficacy of commercially available cosmetic products for preventing striae gravidarum. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate efficacy on prevention of striae gravidarum using a specific anti‐stretch mark cream containing hydroxyprolisilane‐C, rosehip oil, Centella asiatica triterpenes and vitamin E. A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial was conducted between November 2009 and April 2011. Pregnant women were included and classified as treated group (emollient and moisturizer containing hydroxyprolisilane C, rosehip oil, Centella asiatica triterpenes and vitamin E) and control group (cream without the active ingredients). Overall incidence of stretch marks during pregnancy was 33.3% for the control group and 37.6% for the treated group (n.s.). Severity of previous stretch marks significantly increased in the control group during the study (17.8%, P = 0.001), but not in the treated group (6.3%, ns). In women who developed new stretch marks during the study, there was a significantly greater ‘difference in severity’ (between baseline and maximum severity) in control group vs. treated group (0.47 [0.57] vs. 0.14 [0.60], P = 0.031). In women without previous striae, incidence of these marks was significantly lower for the treated group patients compared with control group (5.6% vs. 35%, P = 0.031, OR: 9.2 [95% CI: 1.0–83.3]). The use of the anti‐stretch mark product is proved to be effective in reducing severity of the striae during pregnancy, prevents the appearance of new striae and halts progression of those already present. In women who had no striae at baseline, use of the anti‐stretch mark cream was more effective than placebo in preventing new stretch marks.
A scoping review of qualitative research in peer‐reviewed dental publications
Authors: Gussy M , Dickson‐Swift V , Adams J 
Published: December 2012

AbstractObjectivesQualitative research designs are being used increasingly in dental research. This paper describes the extent and range of dental research in which qualitative methods have been employed as well as the techniques of data collection and analysis preferred by dental researchers.MethodsA scoping review was conducted to locate studies published in dental journals, which reported the use of qualitative methods. Data concerning the focus of the research and the reported qualitative techniques were extracted.ResultsStudies included in the review totalled 197. The majority of qualitative research captured in this scoping study focussed on three main areas: dental education, professional dental and dental educators' activities and experiences and the patient/public perceptions. Interviews and focus group discussions were the most commonly selected techniques for data collection.ConclusionsThe majority of the studies included in the scoping review had a focus on education of dental professionals the activities of dental professionals or the reported perceptions of or experiences with dental services by patients or members of the public. Little research was located, which explored peoples' personal experience of dental conditions. Research reported in dental publications has a heavy bias towards the use of focus groups and interview data collection techniques.
Formalization of Urban Poor Vendors and their Contribution to Tourism Development in Manila, Philippines
Authors: Yotsumoto Yukio 
Published: December 2012

Abstract:The growth of tourism and tourism development affects the urban poor both positively and negatively. Positively, they have more opportunities to find jobs in the tourism sector or increase their income when their jobs are related to tourism. They can also be the beneficiaries of pro‐poor tourism projects. Negatively, they are viewed as an obstacle to tourism development where clean and modern images are sought. This study looks at park vendors (a type of urban poor) in Rizal Park, Manila, Philippines. This group is unique because it is not treated as a hindrance to tourism development and the vendors are considered as the beneficiaries of pro‐poor tourism projects. They are active contributors to tourism development. When a government agency formalized their businesses, vendors' safety and pride increased. This study provides a case in which a shift from the informal sector to the formal sector contributed to the increased welfare of the urban poor. The shift was possible because of a national tourism drive generating favorable conditions, and the vendors' struggle to obtain the right to work in the park. In this paper, I discuss how the vendors achieved a legal status and show current conditions of their work and their relationship with a government agency after obtaining the right. Data for this study were collected between 2005 and 2008.